## 1 Introduction
Consequently, approximately 200 countries and regions have reached a common consensus to develop clean, low-carbon energy through the Paris Agreement of 2015 [16]. Although the European Union has made considerable advancements in the adoption of renewable energy sources over the past two decades--achieving 18% of gross final energy consumption in 2018, nearly twice the level recorded in 2005--significant progress is still required to meet long-term environmental targets [17]. This expansion of renewable energy has contributed to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and a decreased dependence on fossil fuels; however, substantial challenges persist. Emerging economies within the European Union, such as Poland, Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary, have also achieved notable advancements in the utilization of renewable energy, yet further efforts are necessary to realize these environmental objectives fully. In this context, the integration of digital technologies emerges as a critical enabler in accelerating the transition towards sustainable and environmentally responsible development, presenting new opportunities for resource optimization and emissions reduction. Specifically, a report by the International Energy Agency [18] suggests that digital technologies could reduce global energy consumption in buildings by up to 10% by 2040. These reductions are primarily driven by enhancements in energy efficiency through the use of smart thermostats, lighting, and appliances that dynamically adjust energy consumption based on real-time data and user behavior. Another study conducted by PwC [19] underscores the benefits of implementing Industry 4.0 technologies, such as IoT, AI, and big data analytics, in reducing industrial CO\({}_{2}\) emissions by up to 15% through process optimization and waste reduction. These findings illustrate the transformative potential of digitalization in significantly enhancing environmental performance, particularly in the domains of energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and emissions reduction. Moreover, the strategic implementation of these technologies within emerging economies is of particular significance. These economies, while grappling with unique challenges in their pathways to modernization and sustainable development, also present significant opportunities. According to research by [PERSON] et al. [20], within the European Union, Bulgaria, Poland, and Romania are recognized as \"champions of digital transformation\" due to their above-average performance across key digitalization indicators, reflecting strong commitments and successes in this area. Conversely, Hungary, identified within the \"empowerment-driven disparities\" cluster, exhibits above-average performance in digital empowerment but lags in business digitalization and broadband accessibility [20]. Therefore, digital transformation holds the potential to play a pivotal role in accelerating the transition of these economies towards more sustainable practices, thereby enhancing their global competitiveness and significantly contributing to environmental objectives. In this context, this study is of special significance as it addresses the pressing need to clarify the role of digital transformation in enhancing environmental performance within emerging economies. These economies are at a crucial stage of development, where balancing economic expansion with environmental sustainability has become increasingly imperative. The primary objective of this research is to assess the extent to which the adoption of advanced digital technologies accelerates the transition towards sustainable economic practices and analyze the mechanisms through which these technologies can be strategically leveraged to support environmental objectives. By providing a comprehensive understanding of this dynamic, the study aims to offer valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders engaged in economic and environmental development, thereby contributing to the achievement of long-term sustainable development.