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To address the urgent need to tackle climate change and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, the European Union (EU) has introduced an ambitious regulatory framework for renewable energies. This framework, built around recent directives and regulations, embodies the determination of Member States to accelerate the energy transition while strengthening economic competitiveness and social justice.
The European framework is underpinned by two key legislative instruments. Directives establish objectives that Member States are required to incorporate into their national legal systems, ensuring a tailored implementation across the Union. In contrast, regulations are directly applicable and enforceable across all EU Member States, providing a uniform legal standard without the need for national transposition.
Adopted in 2023, the RED III directive sets key targets: 42.5% renewable energy in the European energy mix, with an indicative target of 45%. This ambition is broken down by sector:
A European financing mechanism will strengthen cooperation between Member States for cross-border projects. This solidarity aims to offset disparities in resources and infrastructure.
Each Member State draws up a National Energy-Climate Plan (NECP), adapting the European objectives to its national realities. A few examples illustrate these efforts:
Overall target: 44% renewable energy by 2030.
Sectoral targets:
Priority technologies:
Overall target: 43% renewable energy.
Sectoral targets:
Key technologies: onshore wind (10.2 GW), offshore (9 GW), solar (8 GW).
Overall target: 49% renewable energy.
Sectoral targets:
Priority technologies: solar (48%), wind (29%), hydro (19%).
Overall target: 48% renewable energy.
Sectoral targets:
Long-term vision: an estimated 97% renewable energy consumption by 2050, with 100% renewable electricity.
The European Commission, renewed in 2024, has set out new priorities to tackle pressing energy challenges. These focus on reducing energy costs and lessening reliance on fossil fuels, thereby enhancing energy security across the Union.
Furthermore, the Commission seeks to strengthen investment in renewable energy infrastructure, placing particular emphasis on cross-border partnerships to optimise shared resources and expertise. To hasten the transition, efforts are also being directed towards simplifying administrative procedures, facilitating the development and success of local projects.
The European regulatory framework reflects a collective determination to build a sustainable energy future. However, success depends on the ability of Member States to combine ambitious policies, local mobilisation, and appropriate funding. The question remains: how quickly will these measures transform our energy systems in the long term?
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