European Parliament votes on Energy Performance of Buildings: exceptions and derogations are welcomed, incentives are needed

On 9 February 2023, the Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) Committee of the European Parliament adopted its position on the proposed revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) by 49 votes to 18, with 6 abstentions.

HOTREC supports the revision of the Directive as a way for companies to be more energy efficient in the near future. Nevertheless, massive support is needed for the companies to comply with the needed infrastructural changes (e.g. tax relief; guarantee funds; pay-as-you-save financial schemes).

With regard to infrastructures for sustainable mobility (charging stations and bicycle parking spaces), we fully welcome the possibility approved by Parliament, for Member States to adjust the requirements for residential and non-residential buildings if owned or occupied by SMEs. Charging stations evolve rapidly and become obsolete, while the costs are extremely high. Moreover, bicycle parking spaces should adapt to local demographic, geographic and climate conditions.

We consider that Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) are essential to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. But we think that their mandatory nature, as established by Parliament, is not flexible and does not take into account technical, functional and economic factors.

With regard to solar energy, existing buildings will need to follow the rules, according to Parliament’s view. We consider that a one-size-fits-all approach is not practical (e.g. some countries do not have much light during winter time). It is, nevertheless, positive that the installation is required if technically, economically and functionally feasible.

The European Parliament voted in plenary on 14 March 2023.

HOTREC is counting both on the European Parliament and on the Council to reach a balanced approach during the trilogue negotiations on the file.

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08 Sep
08/09/2023    
09:00 - 13:00
List of Participants Ms. Olga Kefalogianni, Greek Tourism Minister, will join us during the morning for an exchange (timing will be confirmed later) Draft Agenda [...]
Together for EU Tourism (T4T) stakeholder meeting
11/09/2023    
09:00 - 13:00
On 11 September 2023, the European Commission (DG GROW) will organise the first stakeholder event to support the co-implementation of the Transition Pathway for Tourism. This will be a hybrid event, taking place in Brussels and online.
Social Affairs Working Group meeting
12/09/2023    
10:00 - 12:00
On 12 September 2023, HOTREC will organise another meeting of its Social Affairs Working Group.
Members session on HOTREC European elections manifesto
14/09/2023    
10:00 - 12:00
On 14 September 2023, HOTREC will organise a members-only session to discuss the upcoming European Elections (June 2024). 
HOTREC Sectoral Social Dialogue Committee meeting
18/09/2023    
09:30 - 13:00
On the morning of 18 September 2023, HOTREC will organise another meeting of the Sectoral Social Dialogue (SSD) Committee. 
HOTREC Short-Term Rentals (STRs) Working Group meeting
21/09/2023    
10:00 - 11:30
On 21 September 2023, HOTREC will organise another meeting of its Short-Term Rentals Working Group.
Pact for Skills - Coordination meeting
21/09/2023    
15:00 - 16:30
On 21 September 2023 took place the 13th Coordination Meeting on the Pact for Skills - an initiative bringing together different skills national partnerships. The [...]
Social Dialogue reform - meeting with European Commission
27/09/2023    
09:30 - 12:00
Main outcome of the meeting available
Meeting MEP Engerer office - rapporteur Green Claims (ENVI)
28/09/2023    
10:00 - 11:00
Participants: - Sera Cutajar (assistant MEP Engerer (Malta/S&D - rapporteur ENVI committee / Green Claims file)) - S&D political advisor - Marta Machado Main outcome: [...]
Events on 08/09/2023
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Events on 18/09/2023