European Green Deal: Energy Efficiency Directive has been adopted
The EU has officially concluded the inter-institutional negotiations on the enhanced legal framework for energy efficiency. The legislative process started in July 2021 as part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package.
Energy efficiency directive, was first adopted in 2012, and later updated in 2018 and 2023. The latest update introduces a series of measures to help accelerate energy efficiency practices.
Notably, it has set a legally binding target of 11.7% reduction in final energy consumption by 2030 compared to the 2020 reference year. Moreover, the ‘energy efficiency first principle’ has now a substantial legal standing, in fact EU countries will now be legally required to prioritise energy efficiency in policymaking, planning, and major investments.
Among other clauses, EU countries agreed to almost double their annual en