USE OF EU STRUCTURAL FUNDS FOR RENEWABLES IN BALTIC STATES

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to review the use of European Union (EU) structural funds (SF) for promotion of use of renewable energy sources in Baltic States and compare Baltic States in developing use of renewable energy sources after EU accession. The main tasks to achieve this aim are: to present Renewable Energy utilisation targets in Baltic States; to analyse EU structural funds allocated for renewable energy sources in Baltic States in 2007–2013; to compare Baltic States in terms of implementing renewable energy targets set by EU energy policy documents and to draw conclusions based on analysis conducted. The performed analysis revealed that Latvia has allocated the biggest share of means from EU structural funds and also has achieved the best results in increasing use of Renewable Energy sources during second financing period.

Keywords: Baltic States, renewable energy sources, regional development, structural funds.

Article DOI: http://doi.org/10.15544/RD.2015.067