Territorial Classification of EU Countries Based on the Quality of Environmental Actions in Renewable Energy and Air Pollution in the Years 2015–2017

The study presents the results of classifying European Union countries in terms of the degree of achievement of sustainable development objectives in selected areas. A spatial–temporal comparative analysis of EU countries was made in terms of selected assumptions of the concept of sustainable development. It was hypothetically indicated that the EU countries can be divided into three classes in terms of effects related to renewable energy production and smog. Indeed, it was also found that the factor of the percentage share of energy production from renewable sources in primary energy production differentiates EU countries well. It was also pointed out that the factors in the form of air pollution levels of PM2.5 and PM10 dusts differentiate EU countries well, and the time factor has an impact on the grouping of EU countries in terms of the assessment of the quality of the level of implementation of environmental measures. The results obtained using the method of cluster analysis on the population of EU countries using data on energy production from renewable sources and the level of air pollution by PM2.5 and PM10 were the basis for solving the research problem. A research methodology based on cluster analysis was recommended as a practical tool for measuring and assessing the quality level of implemented activities within the concept of sustainable development in selected areas.