THE ADVANCEMENT OF RENEWABLE ENERGY IN THE EUROPEAN UNION: AN EXAMINATION OF SUPPORT MEASURES

This study examines the development of renewable energy support mechanisms in the EU. It assesses  the potential for their transformation in light of the  formation of the European Energy Union in the  context of the growing global energy crisis. As part  of  its long-term strategy to increase the share of  renewable energy, the EU has set several ambitious  targets, measures and legislative initiatives, such as  Directive 2001/77/EC, which sets targets for 12 % of  energy and 22 % of electricity from renewable  sources by 2010, and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED II), which updates the RED I targets and provides for a share of renewable energy in final  energy consumption of at least 32 % by 2030. Various direct and indirect mechanisms to support renewable energy sources were analysed. It is concluded that  the EU’s commitment to increasing the share of  renewable energy in the energy mix is consistent and ambitious. These initiatives demonstrate the EU’s commitment to addressing the urgent need for a  low-carbon economy.