This book delves into Europe’s urgent quest for energy independence as a foundation for the EU and national sovereignty, economic resilience and climate leadership. Amid the rising geopolitical tensions and accelerating climate crises, it advocates for a bold shift towards renewable energy investments as a pathway to a sustainable, energy-secure future.

Offering an in-depth exploration of policy innovations, strategic imperatives and case studies, the book highlights how decentralized energy systems and local empowerment can drive resilience and self-reliance. It underscores Europe’s potential to lead the global renewable energy transition, serving as a blueprint for other regions tackling energy insecurity and climate change. The book demonstrates how the EU and its nations can simultaneously enhance energy security and achieve their climate goals through strategic investment in renewables.

The book is designed for policymakers, academics and energy professionals, particularly those involved in European energy, climate and economic strategies. It is also an essential resource for university professors and researchers in energy policy, international relations, sustainability and European studies. Regional and local leaders will find valuable insights on implementing transformative energy solutions tailored to their communities.

Julije Domac is Managing Director of the North-West Croatia Regional Energy and Climate Agency, a member of the European Covenant of Mayors Board, and the President of the European Federation of Agencies and Regions for Energy and the Environment – FEDARENE since 2013. From 2020, Julije served in the Office of Croatian President Zoran Milanović as the Special adviser on Energy and Climate. He has published over 70 scientific and professional papers in journals and at major European conferences and has initiated many essential policy initiatives at the EU and national levels in Croatia.

Velimir Šegon is Deputy Managing Director at North-West Croatia Regional Energy and Climate Agency. Since 2022, he has also been the Director of the company Zagreb Solar Roofs Ltd, established and owned by the City of Zagreb, with the main objective of implementing investments in photovoltaic systems. Overall, he has participated in implementing over 50 EU-funded projects focused on sustainable energy, most notably in four ELENA-funded projects, achieving cumulative investments of over 200 million euros.

Filip Dumitriu is the Director of the European Federation of Agencies and Regions for Energy and the Environment (FEDARENE). He began his tenure at FEDARENE in 2016, leveraging his background in European law and EU relations. Over the years, Filip has taken on extensive responsibilities including EU project development and implementation, network management and EU advocacy. He has been instrumental in amplifying the voices of regions and energy agencies in key EU policies.