THE EUROPEAN GREEN DEAL AND ITS IMPLEMENTATION IN THE REPUBLIC OF CROATIA

Authors

  • Ljubomir Majdandžić Full Member of the Scientific Council for Petroleum and Gas Engineering and Energy, Croatian Academy of Sciences and Arts (CASA); External Associate of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia; Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Computer Science and Information Technology Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Croatia; Croatian Professional Association for Solar Energy (CPASE)

Abstract

The European Green Deal represents a transformative strategy for economic growth, aiming to create a fair, prosperous, and resource-efficient Europe with a competitive economy and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The energy sector, as the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, is central to achieving these objectives, and renewable energy sources (RES) play a pivotal role in decarbonization. The Republic of Croatia, despite its favorable geographic potential for solar energy, remains underutilized in terms of solar electricity, heating, and cooling generation. This paper examines the potential of solar energy and other renewables to contribute to sustainable economic growth in Croatia, emphasizing energy efficiency, distributed generation, and the creation of green jobs. Demonstration projects indicate that expanding photovoltaic and solar thermal systems could generate up to 20,000 jobs while reducing carbon dioxide emissions and enhancing energy independence. The study also highlights the need for interdisciplinary appro­aches, integrating technical, social, economic, and environmental perspectives, to ensure a coordina­ted and sustainable energy transition aligned with EU and global climate goals.

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Published

2025-12-28

Issue

Vol. 16 No. 2 (2025): Contemporary Materials XVI‒2

Section

Articles