Renewables and energy efficiency measures represent an important way to improve the security of energy supply and to bring to Europe the other important advantages of environmental benefits together with technological development. The EU has put in place a new regulatory framework, with a view to accelerating the growth of EU markets for renewable electricity. In this context, an important instrument is the Directive on electricity produced from renewable energy sources. The future development of photovoltaics is supported through the EU Framework Programme, for both research and demonstration activities and through the Intelligent Energy - Europe Programme for non-technological actions. Research focuses on the next generation of PV technologies while the aim of the demonstration activities is to accelerate the market penetration of more cost-effective PV technologies. To stimulate public-private partnerships between the research community, industry and policy makers with the aim of mobilising greater research and innovation effort the Commission has supported the launching of a Technology Platform on Photovoltaics. To accelerate the development, demonstration and market introduction of a new generation of PV systems, the European Commission is combining an intense legislative initiative with a strong research and demonstration effort.