The European Commission has launched a 12-week open public consultation and a 4-week call for evidence to help shape EU energy efficiency rules for the decade ahead. As announced in the Commission Work Programme, the legislative proposal for the post-2030 energy efficiency framework is scheduled for publication in the last quarter of 2026. Input from these 2 exercises will feed into the Commission’s preparations. Energy efficiency is a central pillar of the EU’s energy and climate framework, as well as being a key policy for delivering energy savings, improving affordability, and strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of the European economy on its path to climate neutrality. In the current energy market context, increasing energy efficiency is also an important way to reduce EU dependence on imported fossil fuels. The consultation closes on 12 June 2026 and the call for evidence closes on 16 April 2026.
Originally adopted in 2012, the Energy Efficiency Directive - and its subsequent revisions - has already helped to reduce EU energy consumption, improve energy security, and support the achievement of the EU’s 2030 climate and energy targets. However, recent assessments have also highlighted the need to ensure that the energy efficiency framework remains fit for purpose amidst evolving technological and geopolitical shifts.
The Directive provides a comprehensive framework to promote energy efficiency across the EU. Its key measures include binding EU-level energy efficiency targets, national contributions, energy efficiency obligation schemes, public sector leadership requirements, and measures to empower consumers and businesses to improve their energy performance.
The future framework will be fully aligned with Europe’s strategic priorities, focusing on reducing energy costs, supporting industrial productivity, and enhancing the resilience and flexibility of the European energy system. The revision will also explore ways to streamline existing provisions, reduce administrative burdens, and improve the effectiveness and coherence of implementation. This consultation exercise runs in parallel with a consultation for a similar update to the legal framework for renewable energies, and just after a similar process on the so-called Governance regulation beyond 2030. Further initiatives include moves to simplify some of the energy efficiency and ecodesign rules for energy products and development of the CO2 transportation infrastructure and markets.
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Details
- Publication date
- 20 March 2026
- Author
- Directorate-General for Energy