Characterisation of the European energy system

Energy is a fundamental element of society. Changes in the energy system will not only affect the energy sector itself but all sectors and all citizens in a society.

This report describes and characterises the current European energy system in its global context. It discusses why the system needs to change in view of tackling climate change and analyses barriers towards such change as well as possible solutions. This report supports the European Environment Agency in preparing its ‘State and Outlook of the European Environment Report’ (SOER) to be published in 2020.