With most of the Fit for 55 proposals already adopted or close to adoption, the recast of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is currently the most relevant file still under discussion for the solar thermal sector.

Presented in December 2021, the EPBD proposal has sparked heated debates in Brussels and in many EU countries, with strong opposition coming from some Member States such as Poland and Italy.

The Council reached a General Approach in October 2022 and the Parliament voted its negotiating position in March 2023, leading to the start of Trilogue at the beginning of June.

The proposal includes several important changes, such as:

• The concept of Zero-Emission buildings (ZEBs). The Commission’s proposal requires that all new structures erected as of 2030 must be zero-emission, while new buildings occupied or owned by public authorities must be zero-emission as of 2027.
• For existing buildings, EU countries will have to ensure minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) are applied when they undergo major renovation.
• The establishment of building renovation passports, allowing to plan the full renovation of your house over several years.
• The introduction of a European solar mandate (article 9a), requiring the installation of solar energy equipment on rooftops.

The next Trilogue meeting will take place on 6^th October and will discuss some of the most controversial articles of the Directive. Crucially, the negotiations must be concluded quickly to adopt the proposal within the mandate of the current Parliament and before the next EU elections planned for June 2024.