European Commission launches infringement procedures against 19 EU states

The European Commission has initiated infringement procedures against 19 member states, including Cyprus, for failing to submit their national building renovation plans by the December 31, 2025, deadline. The affected countries are Belgium, Czech Republic, Germany, Estonia, Ireland, Greece, France, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, and Sweden. These plans are required under the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EU) 2024/1275 to transform national building stocks into decarbonized and energy-efficient assets by 2050. The Commission stated that these documents are essential for providing investment stability and meeting climate objectives. Member states have been requested to respond to the formal notice within two months. Failure to provide a satisfactory response may lead the Commission to issue a reasoned opinion. The delay in submission hinders the Commission's ability to assess national strategies effectively. This procedural step is intended to ensure compliance with updated EU climate and energy goals.