The existence and continuity of life on Earth is based on the existence of an ecological balance. Under the influence of pollution, the quality of the natural environment gradually degrades. Thus, pressures are exerted on the environment, including from energy production and consumption activities. The different phenomena of pollution, associated with the destruction of the environment, have made the sources of energy production diversified. Sustainable development can be achieved through the use of technologies that protect the environment. Within the electricity sector, energy from renewable sources has grown significantly in recent years. Energy production from Renewable energy reduces the use of fossil fuels, but also influences the process of reducing greenhouse gases. The article starts from the analysis of the current situation of renewable sources in the member countries of the European Union. With support of the comparative analysis of existing data at European level, the stage of achieving the European Union's objectives on renewable energy is presented. Also, comparative analyses of data on the share of renewable energy in final energy consumption are presented. Lack of emissions of pollutants, and the fact that they are inexhaustible, make, on the whole of electricity production, the share of renewable sources increases. Keyword: Renewable energy, European Union, electricity production

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It is desired that the impact of resource use on the environment be kept to a minimum. Thus, resource efficiency enables sustainable economic growth. This can reduce greenhouse gas emissions as well as the amount of waste generated. Given that climate change is contributing to environmental degradation, the interest in efficient waste management is high. Environmental protection measures can reduce the effects of global warming. Many of the technologies have negative influences on the environment. Thus, the application of new technologies can lead to a reduction in the amount of waste resulting from the production process. The article presents a comparative analysis of the distribution of waste generation in the member countries of the European Union. One measure that can lead to the efficient use of resources is the prevention of waste generation. In this way, the impact of waste on the environment decreases. From the analysis presented, it is observed that certain sectors of activity generate a higher amount of waste. At the same time, compared to 2010, in 2018, in most member countries of the European Union, the quantities of waste generated per capita increased. This can be an alarm signal for the call to action. Extending the life of a product and reusing it, through repair, can influence the change of production models. Measures to recycle and reuse materials are considered to be of greater importance.