EU renewable energy policy and regulation

Bożena Gajdzik, Radosław Wolniak and Rafał Nagaj

Chapter 2 in Decarbonizing European Industries, 2026, pp 24-40 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: This chapter reviews the European Union's renewable energy frameworks, focusing on the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) and the European Green Deal (EGD). Both instruments underpin the EU's strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, with renewable energy sources (RES) at the core of decarbonization. The RED sets binding targets for renewable adoption across sectors, while the Green Deal integrates climate goals with economic growth, reinforcing the shift toward a low-carbon economy. Together, these initiatives shape the EU's regulatory and financial landscape, balancing environmental objectives with industrial competitiveness. The chapter traces the historical evolution of EU climate policy, analyzing legislative instruments and their role in advancing sustainability. It also examines how current priorities—ranging from energy transition to economic resilience—impact both short- and long-term climate goals. The discussion concludes by stressing the need for integrated, comprehensive strategies to ensure the EU's ecological transformation and long-term climate neutrality.

Keywords: Climate policy; European Green Deal (EGD); Carbon neutrality; Renewable energy sources (RES) policy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035371914
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