Shaping the future of the EU energy efficiency framework with predictability and ambition

Energy efficiency is an EU success story. Over the last 13 years, Europe has positioned itself as a global pioneer in advancing energy efficiency by advancing an ambitious energy efficiency legislative framework, including a 2030 energy efficiency target. This has set a clear direction and offered regulatory certainty to all stakeholders, driving energy efficiency action on the ground.

At a time where the EU is aiming to improve energy security and resilience, lower energy bills for households and businesses, bolster competitiveness and electrification, and reduce emissions, it is imperative to maintain the momentum on energy efficiency – starting with a 2040 EU energy efficiency target.

This paper explores how to design a target that balances impact and ambition with feasibility and delivery, including:

• Why an energy consumption target is better fitted to deliver action compared to an energy intensity target, including on electrification and energy independence. 
• How national contexts and specificities can be better reflected when defining national energy efficiency objectives. 
• Why an accompanying enabling framework is crucial to support Member States.