Our report analyses the investment needs in energy efficiency and renewable energy sources to ensure a transition to a low-carbon economy, and the positive effects this will have on employment and regional development. We looked at over 20 different EU, governmental, academic, NGO and expert sources listing the needs of seven new member states: Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia. The conclusions provide an interesting outlook for the next financial period of the EU budget, 2014-2020.