What the EU does 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. In a spirit of solidarity, the EU’s policy action responds to 3 main challenges: ensuring a secure and safe energy supplyworking towards the affordability of energy for business and citizens and supporting Europe’s competitivenesspromoting clean and sustainable energy production and use for the EU to meet its decarbonisation goals The EU’s main energy policy objectives are tofoster decarbonised energy production and use in the EU that contributes to enhancing competitiveness and achieving our increased climate ambitionprioritise energy efficiency in all stages of the energy chain, from generation to final consumptionmobilise research and foster innovation involve all stakeholders and enable energy consumers to be at the heart of the clean energy transition support all dimensions concerning energy security and lead international discussions on the global energy transition Expected outcomes 42.5%renewable energy target for 203011.7%expected improvement in energy efficiency by 203015%interconnection target for 2030, to encourage EU countries to connect their electricity systems to each other Areas of actionRenewable energyFind out more about EU actions to increase the share of renewable energy in Europe.Energy efficiencyEnergy is a valuable asset. Learn how the EU ensures we can make the most efficient use of it.Markets and consumersExplore the rules shaping the EU’s energy markets and protecting and empowering consumers.Energy securityHow does the EU secure reliable energy for EU citizens and businesses?InfrastructureGrids are the backbone of the EU’s energy systems. Find out how the EU strengthens and expands our grids.Research and technologyPromoting 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.International cooperation Find out how the EU acts as a global energy leader.Funding Discover funding opportunities for energy projects in the EU Key achievements Through the promotion of wind, solar, and other renewable energy sources, renewable energy represented 23% of EU final energy consumption in 2022. While there is still work to be done to achieve the 42.5% target by 2030, a significant portion of energy consumed in Europe now comes from renewables. 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 People saving energy ‘People saving Energy’ is a series of short videos presenting individual portraits of people working on energy efficiency and savings across Europe. We hear of their hopes and ambitions as they make their own energy-saving contributions and learn what inspired them to pursue their unique paths.Laura works as project manager for an energy and sustainability consultancy in France, advising companies and industries on energy efficiency, decarbonisation and sustainable development. Latest News article21 February 2025Eurostat: 2023 - record-breaking increase in renewable electricityPress release21 February 2025Commission approves Belgian State aid measure to support lifetime extension of 2 nuclear reactorsMore news Events 27Feb2025Partner meetingsThird Plenary Meeting of the Investors Dialogue on Energy13-13Apr-Oct2025ExhibitionsEU at Expo 2025See more events Related informationDirectorate-General for EnergyLawPublic consultations
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. In a spirit of solidarity, the EU’s policy action responds to 3 main challenges: ensuring a secure and safe energy supplyworking towards the affordability of energy for business and citizens and supporting Europe’s competitivenesspromoting clean and sustainable energy production and use for the EU to meet its decarbonisation goals
Energy efficiencyEnergy is a valuable asset. Learn how the EU ensures we can make the most efficient use of it.
Markets and consumersExplore the rules shaping the EU’s energy markets and protecting and empowering consumers.
InfrastructureGrids are the backbone of the EU’s energy systems. Find out how the EU strengthens and expands our grids.
Research and technologyPromoting 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.
People saving energy ‘People saving Energy’ is a series of short videos presenting individual portraits of people working on energy efficiency and savings across Europe. We hear of their hopes and ambitions as they make their own energy-saving contributions and learn what inspired them to pursue their unique paths.Laura works as project manager for an energy and sustainability consultancy in France, advising companies and industries on energy efficiency, decarbonisation and sustainable development.
Press release21 February 2025Commission approves Belgian State aid measure to support lifetime extension of 2 nuclear reactors
