Assessing the implementation mechanisms of legally-binding renewable energy targets in European Union member states through primary legislation and ancillary frameworks

Abstract

The transposition of European Union Directives has attracted both praise and criticism from jurists, legal authors and political actors. This thesis aims, inter alia, to deliver a comprehensive and interdisciplinary assessment of the modus operandi of select European Union Member States in achieving the legally-binding renewable energy targets as established in line with the Renewable Energy Directive, having due regard to current and future legislative developments in the sector, in particular imminent 2030 regulations and the transposition of the Paris Agreement. The selected Member States for the analysis presented herein are Malta, Sweden and Cyprus. This work aims primarily to identify patterns of successful policy implementation by EU renewable energy leaders in contrast with challenges faced by insular states. Brief consideration is given to the shortcomings of cooperation mechanisms with the bulk of the thesis focused on the most instrumental statutes and bills put forward in achieving national targets. Reference has been made to salient soft measures in strategically selected European Union and third states in the hope of shedding light on possible future expansions in EU policy. Finally, the shortcomings of the selected Member States’ policy framework are critically analysed and recommendations have been given both on an EU and national level where considered appropriate and not extraneous to flow of content.