The Directorate-General for Energy of the European Commission published the following press release on March 10th.
The Commission reaffirms its commitment to boost energy efficiency financing
The Commission unveiled today a comprehensive support package for energy efficiency financing aimed at rolling out innovative solutions for financing and technical support for energy efficiency and building renovation in the EU. Building on the forward-looking energy efficiency actions outlined in today’s Clean Energy Investment Strategy (COM/2026/116), the package equips EU countries, market actors and stakeholders with a practical, structured approach to overcoming investment and renovation barriers—unlocking the full potential of energy efficiency. By drawing lessons from EU-funded projects and national best practices, and by providing an assessment of the current state of energy efficiency financing across Europe, this package aims to reinforce the financing framework, speed up investments and lower energy costs for households and businesses, ultimately fostering a more competitive and energy-efficient economy.
The support package comprises 1 report and 2 recommendations, as follows:
- Report on Energy efficiency financing in Europe (COM/2026/118) includes a detailed analysis of energy efficiency financing across Europe, covering building renovation specifically, highlighting the progress made and future potential. Addressed to the Council and the European Parliament, it underlines the importance of support from public budgets (EU and national) and advocates for the increased use of financial instruments and blended financing solutions.
- Recommendation to EU countries and market actors on unlocking private investments (C/2026/1526) aims to develop innovative financing schemes. It sets out a mix of measures to boost demand for energy efficiency investments and enhance financing options, reduce investment risks and provide opportunities for re-financing.
- Recommendation with practical guidance on establishing one-stop shops for energy renovations (C/2026/1523) showcases existing practices across the EU, with a view to promoting successful best practices and common approaches. One-stop shops are aimed at providing hands-on technical, financial and administrative assistance for homeowners undertaking energy renovation projects.
Background
Energy efficiency has already proven itself as a strategic investment. Without the improvements achieved over the past 20 years, today’s energy consumption in the EU would have been around 27% higher. This would also have resulted in higher energy costs and bills, higher dependency from imports of fossil fuels, and more emissions from the consumption of fossil fuels.
Related links
- Report on Energy Efficiency financing in Europe: An assessment of public spending for energy efficiency and the energy performance of buildings (COM/2026/118)
- Commission Recommendation on unlocking private investment in energy efficiency (C/2026/1526)
- Commission Recommendation with practical guidance on one-stop shops services for energy efficiency and the energy performance of buildings (C/2026/1523)
- Clean Energy Investment Strategy (COM/2026/116)
- Energy Efficiency Financing
- One-stop shops for building renovation and energy
- Press release: Commission presents measures to increase EU’s energy independence and affordability
External link
Energy in Demand - Sustainable Energy - Rod Janssen 