Energy poverty and housing in Europe – Does the EU’s evolving policy framework address current needs?

About this episode

The episode discusses the challenges of energy poverty and housing in Europe, focusing on EU policies and initiatives addressing these issues.

Energy poverty continues to be a topic of discussion across Europe, as households navigate varying levels of access to adequate heating, cooling, and lighting. Recent indicators suggest some improvements, though many households continue to experience challenges linked to energy costs, income constraints, and the energy performance of buildings. In parallel, the concept of summer energy poverty has received growing attention, with interest in understanding how climate trends and heatwaves may influence living conditions and local planning considerations. A range of EU initiatives provides a framework for examining these issues, including the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, the Energy Efficiency Directive, the reform of the Electricity Market Design, and preparations for the Social Climate Fund, which is expected to support measures from 2026. Advisory platforms such as the Energy Poverty Advisory Hub offer tools and guidance to local and regional authorities assessing how to address energy poverty within their communities. Housing affordability and availability have also become prominent discussion points in several Member States. The European Affordable Housing Plan…

Topics covered

• energy poverty
• housing
• EU policy
• climate change
• energy efficiency
• affordable housing

Keywords

• energy poverty
• housing affordability
• EU initiatives
• climate trends
• energy performance
• Social Climate Fund

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: EU, Energy Poverty Advisory Hub, European Affordable Housing Plan, Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, Energy Efficiency Directive, Electricity Market Design, Social Climate Fund

More episodes of Euractiv Talks

• Green molecules – How can they strengthen Europe’s energy security and industrial competitiveness? · June 4, 2026 · 1h 16m
• The future of Europe’s machinery manufacturing industry – How can it remain globally competitive? · June 2, 2026 · 1h 18m
• Designing Europe’s next EU budget - How can the 2028-2034 MFF support competitiveness and resilience? · May 12, 2026 · 1h 29m
• Media Partnership: EDF’s Net Zero scenario - A pathway to a competitive, sovereign and decarbonized Europe · April 15, 2026 · 1h 27m
• Energy sector in transition - Aligning EU ETS, climate ambitions and investment realities · April 15, 2026 · 1h 9m
• Energy Efficiency First: the cases of Poland and Croatia · April 13, 2026 · 18 min