Today the European Union obtains almost half of its energy supplies from third countries. More competitive energy prices are essential for European industry in the context of the globalisation of economies.
Energy is in fact a key factor for addressing major environmental challenges such as climate change.
A growing attention is focused on environmental impacts by energy production and use. In order to achieve its strategic goals, DG Energy is conducting actions and programmes in several fields in co-operation with Member States and interested parties. Other actions in this area focus on energy demand. These include the promotion of energy saving and the development of a culture of energy-saving behaviour and rational energy consumption. The main objective is the achievement of the Internal Energy Market especially in the fields of electricity and gas.