Energy Transition in the European Union: A Comparative Analysis of Member States Based on a New Composite Indicator Proposal

This paper proposes an alternative framework for monitoring the energy transition in the European Union, based exclusively on harmonized Eurostat series for the period 2010-2024. Using classical economic indicators, this article proposes two new complementary indicators - ET-Simple (reflecting a transition status) and ET-Progress Index (dynamic, with base year 2010, reflecting the evolution over time). The indicators aggregate four classical outcomes - RES share in final consumption, electricity generation mix, final energy consumption per capita and GHG emissions per capita - normalized annually by percentiles for robustness to extreme values and adds GDP per capita as proxy for enabling capability. The results show that the EU27 remains in the 'moderate transition' zone both in terms of level and relative progress, despite absolute component improvements. At state level, the overlap between top performers (high status) and top movers (accelerated progress) is limited and the quadrant analysis highlights patterns of maturity versus convergence. In 2024, Sweden and Portugal led in terms of performance, while dynamics were dominated by Denmark, The Netherlands and Luxembourg. A case study on Romania has also been conducted, revealing a relatively good status, but weaker progress. The methodology is transparent, replicable and suitable for regular policy evaluations in the EU area.