In the midst of a new energy crisis caused by the Middle East war, the EU will begin considering the design of its energy efficiency framework for the next 10 years.
Energy efficiency regulations after 2030 must build on the successes of current law and ensure that energy efficiency remains the starting point for achieving energy independence in the EU by helping people reduce their bills and dependence on fossil fuels.
Legally speaking, with 2040 just around the corner and the European Commission expected to present an energy efficiency framework for the next decade by the end of this year, this is an important time to reflect on what energy efficiency policy has achieved, why it is still needed and how it can be further improved.
Are energy efficiency policies working in the EU?
Without energy efficiency, the EU’s energy use in 2023 would be 29% higher than in 2000, making the EU even more dependent on fossil fuel imports. Annual energy savings have increased significantly since 2020, significantly exceeding the 2000-2014 average and three times the 2015-2019 average, demonstrating steady progress over the past two decades.
This progress did not happen by chance. From small and medium-sized businesses implementing efficient electrification technologies to schools and efficient appliance retrofits, the EU’s energy efficiency legislation has helped Europeans and businesses save energy, reduce their bills, and improve their comfort and competitiveness. The 2023 Energy Efficiency Directive is still in the early stages of implementation and will further accelerate energy efficiency.
Why are energy efficiency policies still needed?
Energy efficiency efforts are primarily driven by regulation, and demand for energy efficiency products and services is often driven by regulations and standards. EU legislation is therefore crucial for shaping markets by providing predictable long-term signals that encourage industrial investment, skills upgrading and innovation. In short, EU legislation ensures that the energy-efficient industrial ecosystem, which employs more than 1.2 million Europeans, continues to thrive in Europe and provides solutions to help households and businesses contain their energy costs. Recent AccelerateEU communications reaffirm that energy demand reduction measures are essential to reducing fossil fuel imports with rapid and long-term impact.
What should the new energy efficiency framework look like after 2030?
The rules of the next decade should build on what has worked so far, ensuring continuity and stability, while focusing on making energy efficiency solutions easier to deploy and more affordable. First, we need to maintain an overall goal that sets the direction and a set of policies and measures that provide the enabling conditions. The EU energy efficiency targets for 2040, supported by legislation, will ensure direction and coherence for further cross-cutting and national actions.
Second, the post-2030 framework should be designed towards EU energy independence, based on AccelerateEU actions. Energy efficiency policies should support the phase-out of fossil fuels and accelerate electrification with renewable energy. For example, comprehensive renovation of buildings is Europeans’ best insurance against future energy crises.
Third, emphasis should be placed on providing support to businesses, especially small businesses, to implement energy efficiency technologies. The most competitive companies are the most energy efficient. According to the EIB, companies that implement energy efficiency measures outperform those that do not and have greater structural resilience to price shocks.
Finally, and most importantly, the framework for the next decade must center and respond to the needs of our people, especially the most vulnerable. If Europeans do not have the authority to make the changes necessary for the energy transition, they may not accept it, if not completely oppose it.
The ongoing energy crisis is yet another reminder of the importance for the EU to reduce energy demand and become truly independent and more resilient in times of geopolitical uncertainty. Implementing existing energy efficiency frameworks and enacting post-2030 legislation that builds on their successes is essential for energy security, competitiveness, and affordability.
This opinion editorial was produced in collaboration with European Sustainable Energy Week (EUSEW), the largest annual event dedicated to renewable energy and efficient energy use in Europe. #EUSW2026 is in its 20th year, once again bringing together a community of people interested in building a safe and clean energy future for generations to come.
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