16 April 2026
The European Commission is beginning work on a post-2030 energy efficiency framework to support the EU’s climate objectives whilst strengthening competitiveness, energy security and resilience. Energy Efficiency for Europe welcomes this process, emphasising that the next phase of EU climate policy should build on the existing framework, ensure regulatory stability and support the effective implementation of the Fit for 55 package.
A central priority is ensuring that Energy Efficiency First (EE1) moves from principle to practice. Whilst the principle is now enshrined in EU legislation, its implementation remains uneven across Member States. Energy Efficiency for Europe argues that the post-2030 framework should fully integrate energy efficiency across the entire energy value chain, recognise primary energy as a key reference metric, and prioritise reducing energy demand as a prerequisite for a successful transition to renewable energy sources.
Crucially, Energy Efficiency for Europe also notes the important role of Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) and Energy Performance Contracts (EnPCs) in delivering the energy transition on the ground. By combining technical expertise, financing and project implementation, ESCOs help translate climate objectives into practical and scalable investments. Existing provisions introduced under the recast Energy Efficiency Directive should therefore be fully implemented and rigorously enforced before additional structural changes are considered.
Finally, the federation stresses the importance of preserving the framework established for Efficient District Heating and Cooling (EDHC) as well as strengthening support for waste heat recovery. Maintaining the definition introduced under Article 26 of the recast Energy Efficiency Directive provides long-term certainty for investors, whilst greater recognition of waste heat recovery can help reduce energy consumption and lower costs, and further accelerate the decarbonisation of heating and cooling.
Taken together, these priorities would help ensure that the post-2030 framework builds on existing legislation, provides long-term certainty for investors and, overall, accelerates the delivery of Europe’s climate objectives.