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.
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