With a 16.7% share of energy derived from renewable sources in its gross final consumption of energy (see Eurostat news release 43/2017 ), the European Union (EU) is moving closer to its Europe 2020 headline target of 20% to be reached by 2020.

The Europe 2020 strategy however also has a specific sub-indicator on the share of transport fuels that come from renewable sources. The target for this sub-indicator is 10%. Calculations are made in accordance with Directive 2009/28/EC on the promotion of the use of energy from renewable sources.

10% target only achieved in Sweden, Finland and Austria

In 2015, Sweden (24.0% of renewable fuel energy used in transport), Finland (22.0%) as well as Austria (11.4%) were the three Member States to have already reached the 10% transport target. France and Slovakia (both 8.5%) were relatively close to achieving the target. Most of the other EU Member States were around the half-way point to meeting their 2020 objective. With less than 3% of energy from renewables in transport, Estonia (0.4%), Greece (1.4%), Spain (1.7%), Slovenia (2.2%) and Cyprus (2.5%) were the Member States furthest from the 10% target.

Overall in the EU, the share of energy from renewable sources in transport stood at 6.7% in 2015, compared with 1.4% in 2004.

For more information

Eurostat " SHARES 2015 results ".

Eurostat Statistics Explained article " Energy from renewable sources ".