Green policy in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe in the 21st century

Abstract

Green policy has become one of the most pressing issues for Eastern and Southeastern Europe in the 21st century, as modern Europe is experiencing the negative impact of global climate change and the environmental crisis. The pur- pose of this study was to analyse and summarise approaches to implementing green policies in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe. To fulfil this purpose, the study analysed regulatory documents, statistical data, and reports of international organisations on climate change. The findings of this study on green policies in Eastern and South-Eastern Europe con- firmed considerable progress in the implementation of emission reduction and environmental protection measures in the region, specifically, the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at increasing energy productivity, developing renewable energy sources, and reducing the use of environmentally harmful technologies was noted. By 2023, renewable energy sources will account for approximately 19% of total energy consumption worldwide. It was found that conventional bioresources account for 9% of production, while modern renewable energy sources account for more than 10%, which includes heat and electricity production, as well as the transport sector. The use of biomass is responsible for about 14% of final energy consumption. In 2023, renewables accounted for a record 43% of electricity generation in Europe, up from 36% in 2022. This is the second year in a row that energy production from renewable sources has exceeded the use of polluting fossil fuels. The practical significance of this study lies in the development of recommendations and strategies for the implementation of green initiatives in the political, economic, and social practices of the countries of the region under study