Bridging the energy divide in a sustainable approach: Analyzing poverty, disparities and green transition in the European Union

Even the European Union is the international leader regarding the energy transition, the consumers are increasingly affected by overlapping crises affecting income levels and energy prices, as the geopolitical context has become more volatile. The energy poverty is a complex problem that is intricately linked to social, political, and economic elements like low income, skyrocketing energy prices, and inefficient housing. In addition to restricting comfort and well-being, energy poverty exacerbates social inequality, has serious health effects, and impedes the development of a fair and sustainable energy transition. The European Union and its Member States have taken strong action to reduce energy poverty through focused policies and initiatives in recognition of the seriousness of this issue and to assure the access to energy and to improve the energy resilience . Significant challenges still exist, though, necessitating a comprehensive and progressive strategy to guarantee that everyone has access to sustainable, inexpensive, and clean energy. In this study, the authors considered the evolution of some factorial variables that have an influence on the phenomenon of energy poverty at the level of the European Union, using in this sense statistical data taken from official sources, such as Eurostat, from the last 21 years (2004–2024). This analysis is useful to understand the trends and factors that influence energy consumption, energy prices, as well as the population's ability to maintain adequate thermal comfort in homes. This study adds to the expanding conversation on sustainable energy access by revealing the patterns and factors influencing energy consumption, cost, and affordability. It reaffirms the pressing need for an energy system that is resilient, inclusive, and geared to the future—one that enables every home to prosper in a world that is cleaner, fairer, and more sustainable.