EU countries to reduce energy consumption

The European Union (EU) institutions have agreed to reduce final energy consumption across the Union by 11.7 percent by 2030, compared to the 2020 consumption target. The EU Council announced that an agreement had been reached in the negotiations between member states and the European Parliament (EP) on the energy efficiency regulation. Accordingly, final energy consumption across the EU will be reduced by 11.7 percent by 2030. The final energy consumption limit will be collectively binding for member states. Member states will be given some flexibility to meet the target. The annual energy saving target for final energy consumption will be gradually increased from 2024 to 2030. During this period, member states will achieve an annual average saving of 1.49 percent in their final energy consumption. The annual saving rate will reach 1.9 percent by the end of 2030. The public sector will demonstrate exemplary behavior in energy saving. At least 3 percent of the total area of buildings belonging to public institutions in EU countries will need to be restored each year. For the new rules to come into force, the European Parliament and its member states must formally approve them.