LOCATEE Virtual Stakeholder Meeting on EU energy poverty and housing policy

Growing energy and housing challenges in Europe

Energy poverty remains one of Europe’s most pressing social and economic challenges. Across the continent, many households continue to struggle with access to adequate heating, cooling, and lighting, while rising energy costs, limited incomes, and poor building performance further intensify the issue. Although recent indicators suggest some improvement in several Member States, millions of Europeans still face difficulties maintaining acceptable living conditions. At the same time, the concept of summer energy poverty is attracting increasing attention, particularly as climate change and recurring heatwaves place additional pressure on homes, infrastructure, and urban planning systems.

The EU’s policy response to energy poverty

The European Union is currently advancing a range of initiatives designed to support Member States in tackling energy poverty and improving housing conditions.

Key legislative and policy frameworks include:

• the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD),
• the Energy Efficiency Directive,
• the reform of the Electricity Market Design,
• preparations for the Social Climate Fund, expected to support measures from 2026 onward.

In parallel, advisory initiatives such as the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub (EPAH) are providing local and regional authorities with tools, guidance, and expertise to help identify and address energy poverty at community level.

Housing affordability under pressure

Alongside energy-related concerns, housing affordability and availability have become major policy priorities across several EU countries.

The European Affordable Housing Plan outlines measures aimed at:

• increasing housing supply,
• supporting housing investment,
• simplifying administrative procedures,
• improving construction productivity,
• accelerating permitting processes,
• enhancing market transparency,
• supporting young people and vulnerable groups facing housing difficulties.

From 2026, the EU also plans to launch a European Housing Summit and establish a Housing Alliance to strengthen cooperation and knowledge-sharing among policymakers, local authorities, investors, and stakeholders.

Cooperation as a key to effective solutions

Experts increasingly emphasise that tackling energy poverty requires coordinated action between local authorities, property owners, housing organisations, social services, and community stakeholders.

Particular attention is now being given to how renovation policies, urban planning, and building modernisation strategies can address not only rising energy costs but also the growing risk of overheating during summer months.

A European debate on the future of housing and energy policy

IBS, as the lead partner of the LIFE LOCATEE project, invites you to take part in the Virtual Stakeholder Meeting organised by Euractiv, where LOCATEE experts and researchers, alongside representatives from institutions and market participants, will examine the extent to which the current EU legislative framework addresses the latest challenges relating to energy and housing.

The discussion will focus on:

• the implementation of EU energy poverty policies and funding programmes,
• the effectiveness of current legislation,
• the relationship between housing affordability and renovation requirements,
• cooperation between institutions and organisations supporting vulnerable households,
• the impact of climate change and extreme heat on Europe’s future housing policies.

Panellists:

Register here: https://eurac.tv/9Ys9
Find out more: https://eurac.tv/9YvQ

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.