THE PLACE OF RENEWABLE SOURCES AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN THE ENERGY POLICY OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

The increasing renewable source usage and energy efficiency enhancement represent the key aims of the energy sector's development in EU countries. The purpose of their implementation is at the same time the creation of the renewable sources concept as a new development paradigm.Thus, this points to the conclusion that all the projects of renewable source usage and energy efficiency enhancement must be viewed from the perspective of the manifestation of economic, environmental and social effects.Having these facts in mind the paper considers the place of renewable sources and energy efficiency in the energy policy of the EU. The analysis is primarily based on examination of the solutions that are defined in the directives of the European Commission that deal with renewable sources and energy efficiency.