The 2002 report for Sustainable Energy Watch (SEW) on recent developments in the European Union comes to a mixed set of conclusions. While there is good progress on some issues, and a positive trend in others, change is slow and EU energy markets remain heavily dominated by fossil and nuclear fuels.

A number of EU level policies, recently implemented and in preparation, could improve the situation in favour of sustainable energy technologies, especially those aimed at reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, under the EU strategy to implement its Kyoto Protocol commitments. Member State policies show a similar push, although developments over the last decade have a mixed balance. At the same time however, many member states and the EU itself continue to apply policies which are likely to make emissions rise further. This contradiction is likely to persist.

The SEW indicators for the EU show good progress in the reduction of energy-related local pollutants and increases in energy productivity. 

Note:

Out of the eight indicators measured under the SEW reporting requirements, only five could be fully evaluated. However, indicator 3 on electrification of rural households is less relevant in the highly industrialised EU countries. It is assumed to be close to 0 (meaning 100% electrification), although no proper data was available for confirmation.

The EU energy system is still very unsustainable. Greater efforts will be needed in the future to improve the situation towards an environmentally-friendly energy supply.
 

Summary table : Indicators of Energy Sustainability for the European Union