In the Context of the European Green Deal, the Commission proposed amendments to Directive (EU) 2018/1999 (Recast Renewable Energy Directive, or RED II) in its Fit for 55 legislative package. The aim was to integrate the EU’s higher 2030 ambition for renewable energy (at least 42.5% share of gross final consumption of energy from renewable sources across the EU by 2030). Under the REPowerEU Package, the EU’s main response to the war between Ukraine and Russia, further amendments were agreed.

Member States have an obligation to transpose laws, regulations and administrative provisions necessary to comply with the Directive 2023/24133 (revised RED) by 21 May 2025. For this purpose, the Commission is also developing guidance on how Member States can implement different provisions.

The amendments do not address any of the core provisions of the RED II on Renewable Energy Communities (RECs), which were adopted under the Clean Energy Package (CEP). However, they build upon existing references to RECs, providing additional acknowledgment in areas such as offshore wind development, renewables acceleration areas, as well as further clarifying the role of energy communities in district heating.

In this briefing, REScoop.eu analyses the relevant provisions for energy communities in the revised RED and shares recommendations for the national and EU level.