The European Commission’s Recommendation on energy poverty aims to ensure that consumers in vulnerable situations have access to essential energy services and products. With 10.6% of Europeans unable to keep their homes adequately warm in 2023, the Recommendation identified further investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy as the main structural measures to address this issue. The aim is to address the root causes of energy poverty, including the low energy efficiency of homes and high energy expenditures. The recommendation supports the National Energy and Climate Plans, which outline how EU Member States intend to meet the EU energy and climate targets for 2030.

The European Union has established the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub (EPAH) to support efforts to eradicate energy poverty. The main purpose is to establish an EU-wide network of local-level governments to cooperate on addressing energy poverty, as well as raise awareness, collect evidence, and provide training to local policymakers.

The revised Energy Efficiency Directive is part of the European Commission’s mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. It aims to ensure an additional 11.7% reduction in energy consumption by 2030 compared to the projections of the EU reference scenario 2020.

It established an “energy efficiency first” principle, meaning that all Member States must consider energy efficiency in all relevant policy and investment decisions in the energy and non-energy sectors.

Countries must set indicative national contributions to the EU target and are obliged to increase annual energy savings by at least twice compared to current savings. Additionally, the Directive puts a stronger focus on combating energy poverty through the empowerment of consumers and increased availability of technical and financial advice.

The European Platform on Combatting Homelessness aims to fight homelessness, primarily through the reinforcement of prevention measures and the implementation of integrated, housing-led approaches to ending homelessness. It was established in collaboration with a variety of stakeholders, including European institutions, civil society organisations, social partners, and cities.

The overarching goals of the Platform are to ensure that no one is sleeping rough and to find permanent housing solutions as soon as possible for people living in emergency accommodation. Moreover, no one should be discharged from any institution without having alternative housing at their disposal, and no one should be discriminated due to their homelessness status.

The work revolves around three distinct strands, focusing on strengthening evidence on homelessness, mutual learning and the exchange of best practices for all stakeholders, as well as access to financing for homelessness plans.

The Renovation Wave Initiative aims to improve energy efficiency, deliver better living standards for Europeans and boost the economy. By setting out to renovate 35 million buildings by 2030, the initiative aims to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, while creating green jobs in the construction sector, ultimately leading to an increase in living standards across the EU. Renovations help tackle energy poverty, which affects around 40 million Europeans.

By ensuring adequate funding and increasing technical assistance and information campaigns, the European Commission aims to improve both the rate and the depth of renovations. The construction sector should shift towards more sustainable renovations, utilising sustainable materials, and promote the decarbonisation of heating and cooling. Renovation can thus be used as a lever to address energy poverty and its associated health outcomes.