2.2. Energy policy in the EU: Focus on Greece
Having looked at the relationship between sustainable development,energy and RES in particular, attention is not turned to energy policy in the European Union(EU). Globally, the USA is the first country in terms of energy consumption, followed by China. Important aspects of energy policy include climate change and energy security, energy reliability, energy affordability, and market competitive ness for businesses, industries and households. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the EU is aiming to strengthen energy security while, at the same time,has set binding goals for the share of RES in the energy mix by 2020. The Action Plan for a Europe-wide Energy Policy attempts to address global climate change, reduce soaring energy demand and oil imports, create new jobs (in a time of global financial crisis), and promote green energy technologies. Energy security is of paramount importance:if the supply is interrupted or severely affected (e.g. due to further depletion of fossil fuels), disturbances will be caused in the financial functioning and social welfare of countries. Member states are required to submit National Action Plans for Renewable Energy. Ultimately, for the development of a single electricity market, the EU requires its member states to align their energy sector legislation and implement policies to increase the share of RES in the energy mix. The forecast is that, by 2020, energy consumption in Europe will have been reduced to 95% of the 2005 level.