Renewable energy - the engine of the journey to the low carbon economy. A socio-economic perspective for European Union countries

The countries of the European Union (EU) are deeply engaged in the energy transition process, demonstrating a strong commitment to achieving sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. Public authorities across the member states have made remarkable efforts by developing and implementing comprehensive legal frameworks that encourage and enforce responsible behavior among both companies and consumers. These regulations are designed to facilitate the adoption of renewable energy sources, enhance energy efficiency, and promote innovations in clean technologies. Additionally, the legal measures support initiatives that foster corporate social responsibility and consumer awareness, ensuring that economic growth aligns with environmental protection. In this context, the present study aims to examine the correlations between various socio-economic and environmental factors influencing CO2 emissions across EU member states, with a focus on the often pronounced differences between EU15 and EU27 countries. Using a combination of statistical and machine learning methods, the study explores the relationship between carbon dioxide emissions and relevant indicators: foreign direct investment, energy consumption, urban population, and literacy rates. The goal is to provide insights that will prove useful in crafting actionable strategies at the policy-making level.