Building a Common Support Framework in Differing Realities—Conditions for Renewable Energy Communities in Germany and Bulgaria

The revised EU Renewable Energy Directive first introduced renewable energy communities into the policy framework and requires Member States to implement a support for them. Given broad scientific evidence showing benefits of community just transition, successful implementation across all is essential. However, preconditions developing frameworks differ largely between nations, as some countries have long-term experiences with supporting (i.e., Germany Denmark), while in other States, are notably non-existent Eastern European nations). With purpose providing development this article compares key factors such Bulgaria Germany, combining literature review expert interviews collect primary information on Bulgaria. A country analysis puts these contexts both countries, cross-country comparison demonstrates that there significant gaps Bulgaria, although are, lesser extent, also present Germany. We discuss shortcomings, derive recommendations identify further research needs.