Energy communities for smart cities: a challenge for EU administrative law in light of the Italian perspective

The paper assumes a commitment to smart cities as a “paradigm” in EU environmental and energy policies, having the Green Deal in the background. Energy Communities in smart cities are supposed to be a driver for the green energy transition, as a way to deal with the climate emergency. Renewable Energy Communities (REC) as developed in Italy demonstrate the role of the “citizen” as part of a smart community – which can be promoted and implemented by both EU and Member States. The principle of sincere cooperation is a flexible principle that can assure the interests of future generations, while not neglecting sustainability goals in order to address cross-border administrative issues present in REC.