  We develop a transfer operator approach for the calculation of Renyi
entanglement entropies in arbitrary (i.e. Abelian and non-Abelian) pure lattice
gauge theory projected entangled pair states in 2+1 dimensions. It is
explicitly shown how the long-range behavior of these quantities gives rise to
an entanglement area law in both the thermodynamic limit and in the continuum.
We numerically demonstrate the applicability of our method to the Z2 lattice
gauge theory and relate some entanglement properties to the
confinement-deconfinement transition therein. It is argued on general grounds
that Renyi entanglement entropies do not qualify as a complete probe of
confinement or deconfinement properties in comparison to other genuine
(nonlocal) observables.

Quantum Physics;Strongly Correlated Electrons;High Energy Physics - Lattice;High Energy Physics - Theory