Comparative assessment on the designation of Renewable Acceleration Areas (RAAs) in selected EU countries

As EU countries implement the revised Renewable Energy Directive (RED III), Renewable Acceleration Areas (RAAs) are emerging as a key test of Europe’s ability to speed up the energy transition while keeping it fair and sustainable. This briefing provides a comparative overview of progress in 12 Member States, examining how RAAs are being translated into national law and applied on the ground, from legal frameworks to environmental safeguards and public participation.

While momentum is building, implementation remains uneven and behind schedule. The analysis highlights both promising practices and persistent gaps, and sets out recommendations to ensure RAAs can deliver faster renewable deployment without compromising nature or public trust.