Europe demands implementation of EPBD
29th July 2026
EUROPE: Organisations are calling for the implementation of the revised EPBD after the EC opened infringement procedures against all 27 EU members for failing to transpose the directive into national law.
On July 15, the European Commission opened infringement procedures by sending letters of formal notice to all 27 EU member states for failing to fully transpose into national law the provisions of the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2024/1275. The directive was adopted in 2024 and member states had to notify their transposition of the directive by 29 May 2026.
The European contractors’ group AREA has now joined organisations from across the buildings and energy ecosystem in calling for effective and timely implementation of the directive. They argue that the directive must be made workable in practice, with clear guidance, effective compliance and verification mechanisms, sufficient administrative capacity, investment in skills and strong coordination between national, regional and local authorities as well as market actors.
The 27 signatories to the joint statement, which also includes the European Heat Pump Association, EPEE and Eurovent, are calling for the EPBD to be fully transposed and effectively implemented and that citizens, businesses, building owners, professionals and public authorities have the clarity and certainty they need to act.
It recognises that buildings account for around 40% of the EU’s final energy consumption and around half of its gas consumption, while heating, cooling and hot water represent around 80% of household energy use.
“The EPBD is one of Europe’s most important tools to reduce energy demand and optimise energy use across building services, including heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water and lighting; lower energy bills; strengthen energy security; improve indoor environmental quality and comfort; and support Europe’s clean technology market. These benefits will only materialise if the Directive is fully transposed, effectively implemented in practice, and properly enforced,” the statement says.
Describing the 29 May 2026 transposition deadline as “a key milestone”, the signatories to the statement reveal that, based on exchanges with national authorities, market actors and stakeholders, the current picture remains mixed. While some member states are seen to be moving in the right direction and developing practical implementation tools, many remain delayed, address the requirements only partially, or focus mainly on legal transposition without the necessary guidance, verification and compliance checks being put in place.
“We are therefore concerned that several EPBD provisions risk being weakened, delayed or left unenforced in practice,” the statement says.
“This matters for market certainty. Companies, investors, installers, engineers, building owners and public authorities need to know that the rules agreed at EU level will be applied in practice. Many building owners and market actors have already made, or are preparing, investments based on the EPBD framework. Delays at this stage could undermine confidence and send the wrong signal to the market. Without clear and consistent implementation, it becomes harder to plan investments, develop solutions, train professionals and scale up delivery across member states.”
It argues that the Commission must follow-up where member states have not fully transposed the directive, or where national frameworks are incomplete or unenforceable. In addition, necessary actions, such as the newly opened infringement proceedings, should be taken to ensure the full transposition of the EPBD.
