Energy Economics in European Union Countries—Typological Analysis Using Kohonen Networks

Energy is a key resource determining economic and social development. The aim of the study was to identify and analyze patterns in the energy economy of European Union countries in 2019 and 2023 using the self-organizing maps (SOMs) method, which is an artificial intelligence tool. This approach enables unsupervised clustering of countries based on complex data, revealing hidden relationships between energy indicators. Analysis of Eurostat data showed that over the analyzed period, five countries improved their cluster position, one country experienced a decline, and the remaining 21 countries retained their previous assignment. The grouping of the countries in 2023 was more diverse, with a clear concentration of countries with favorable development parameters. The results of the study provide valuable guidance for EU energy policy, supporting the planning of a sustainable transition in the context of challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the war in Ukraine.