In 2016, Estonia (6.8%) was the Member State least dependent on imported energy, ahead of Denmark (13.9%), Romania (22.3%), Poland (30.3%), Sweden (31.9%) and the Czech Republic (32.8%). At the opposite end of the scale, the highest energy dependence rates were registered in Malta (slightly over 100% because of the build-up of stock), Cyprus (96.2%) and Luxembourg (96.1%), followed by Italy (77.5%), Lithuania (77.4%) and Belgium (76.0%).

In 2016, the European Union (EU) needed to import slightly over half (53.6%) of the energy it consumed. Since 2004, energy dependency in the EU has been above 50% with a highest rate recorded in 2008 (54.5%), according to Eurostat data.

In the Czech Republic, energy dependency rate has increased since 2000.

Also, the report Renewable Energy Policies in a Time of Transition prepared jointly by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN21), identifies key barriers and highlights policy options to boost renewable energy deployment.

After reviewing current policies and targets worldwide, it examines sector-specific policies for heating and cooling, transport and power, as well as measures for integrating variable renewables. An updated policy classification and terminology list can serve as a global reference for renewable energy policy instruments.

Among the key findings are: 

• Renewable energy policies must focus on end-use sectors, not just power generation
• The use of renewables for heating and cooling requires greater policy attention, including dedicated targets, technology mandates, financial incentives, generation-based incentives, and carbon or energy taxes
• Policies in the transport sector require further development, including integrated policies to decarbonise energy carriers and fuels, vehicles and infrastructure
• Policies in the power sector must also evolve further to address new challenges
• Measures are needed to support the integration of variable renewable energy, taking into account the specific characteristics of solar and wind power
• Achieving the energy transition requires holistic policies that consider factors beyond the energy sector itself
• The report provides a comprehensive overview of policy measures available to address such challenges.