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Energy

What the EU does

Installation of solar panels on the Berlaymont building

Energy policy is critical for European competitiveness and security and to achieving climate neutrality. It is a shared competence between the EU and its member countries, defined in Article 194 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.

The EU’s main energy policy objectives are to ensure reliable, affordable and clean energy for people and businesses in Europe.

Among other measures, we’re working to achieve this through

  • maintaining secure energy supplies
  • supporting the competitiveness of Europe’s clean tech industry
  • promoting clean and sustainable energy production
  • prioritising energy efficiency in all stages of the energy chain, from generation to final consumption
  • leading international discussions on the global energy transition
     

Expected outcomes

42.5%
2030 target for the share of renewables in the energy mix
11.7%
reduction in energy consumption by 2030, compared to 2020 projections
15%
interconnection target for 2030, to encourage EU countries to connect their electricity systems to each other

Areas of action

Renewable energy

Find out more about EU actions to increase the share of renewable energy in Europe

Energy efficiency

Energy is a valuable resource. Learn how the EU ensures we can make the most efficient use of it

Markets and consumers

Explore the rules shaping the EU’s energy markets and protecting and empowering consumers

Energy security

How does the EU secure reliable energy supplies for EU citizens and businesses?

Infrastructure

Grids are the backbone of the EU’s energy systems. Find out how the EU is strengthening and expanding our grids

Research and technology

Promoting research and innovation is key to achieving the energy transition and improving competitiveness. Find out what the EU does

Nuclear energy

From ensuring nuclear safety to supporting the use of radiation and nuclear technologies in medicine, explore the EU’s nuclear energy policy

Clean energy transition

Discover the EU’s policies and local initiatives to ensure a just energy transition that leaves no one behind

Key achievements

  • Through the promotion of wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources, renewable energy represented 24.6% of EU energy consumption in 2023. This is a significant share, and a much higher outcome than 10 years prior. However, there is still work to be done to achieve the 42.5% target by 2030.
  • Companies in the renewable energy sector are thriving, supporting green job creation. By 2022, the renewable energy sector in Europe employed over 1.6 million people.
  • Investments in cross-border energy infrastructure have helped strengthen EU energy security, including by connecting several EU regions which were completely isolated.
  • Between 2008 and 2021, the EU reduced greenhouse gas emissions by over 20%. At the same time, EU GDP increased by almost 10%. With the energy sector being responsible for more than 75% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, EU energy policies have significantly contributed to this achievement.
  • To achieve the 2030 energy efficiency target, the EU has introduced measures in policy areas with the greatest potential for energy savings and where a harmonised approach across EU countries is needed. Such measures not only lower energy bills, but also help businesses save on operational costs, while reducing the carbon footprint.

In focus

Affordable energy

Energy prices impact both the quality of life for citizens and the competitiveness of industries in Europe and our economy. Energy poverty affects more than 46 million Europeans. For industries, retail electricity prices have almost doubled since the beginning of the energy crisis in 2021.

The Commission, together with EU countries, is stepping up efforts to lower energy prices and bring effective relief to industry and household consumers.

EU actions on affordable energy

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