Renewable Energy in Policy Frameworks: A Comparative Analysis of EU and Global Strategies for Sustainable Development

The global energy transition is a central pillar of climate change mitigation and sustainable development. While international frameworks such as the Paris Agreement and the UN 2030 Agenda emphasize renewable energy as a driver of decarbonization, the degree of ambition and coherence across governance levels remains uneven. The European Union (EU), through the European Green Deal, the “Fit for 55” package, and the REPowerEU plan, has adopted legally binding targets for climate neutrality by 2050 and a 55% emission reduction by 2030. However, national implementation via National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) reveals substantial divergences among Member States. This study applies qualitative content analysis and comparative policy review to EU-level strategies, selected NECPs (Poland, Germany, France, Spain), and global frameworks (Agenda 2030, Paris Agreement, IEA, IRENA, IPCC reports). The analysis also incorporates a comparative perspective with other major economies, including China, Japan, and the United States, to situate EU policy within the global context. Documents were coded according to categories of strategic goals, regulatory and financial instruments, and identified barriers. Triangulation with secondary literature ensured validity and contextualization. The findings show that EU frameworks demonstrate higher ambition and legal enforceability compared to global initiatives, yet internal fragmentation persists. Germany and Spain emerge as frontrunners with ambitious renewable targets, while France relies heavily on nuclear power and Poland lags behind with the latest coal phase-out date. Global frameworks emphasize inclusivity and energy access but lack binding enforcement. The study contributes a comparative framework for evaluating renewable energy policies, identifies best practices and structural gaps, and highlights the dual challenge of EU climate leadership and internal coherence. These insights provide guidance for policymakers and a foundation for future research on governance and just transition pathways.