The European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition recently held its first general assembly in Brussels, setting out its priorities and a new work programme. Opening the general assembly, Energy Commissioner Jørgensen called for Europe to mobilise more investments, arguing that energy efficiency investments pay back very quickly.
The coalition was set up by the European Commission in 2024 to facilitate investments in energy efficiency and to scale up private financing to help the EU reach its 2030 and 2050 energy and climate targets.
At the event, the Dutch Banking Association (NVB) told Euractiv that EU rules need to be simplified and be more supportive of the energy transition.
“The [financing coalition] could help to establish a clear European regulatory and financing framework that is essential for Dutch banks to support the energy transition, to set up a dialogue with the relevant European institutions and learn from initiatives in other countries,” NVB spokesperson Lars Poppes said.
Progress from implementation
Poppes said it was useful for their association to be present at the general assembly to show their support for the coalition and to network with staff of the EU institutions and with other banks.
“Exchanging ideas and initiatives within the [financing coalition] is helpful, but if we really want to make progress, we need to implement measures for the energy-efficient transition,” Poppes said.
Aside from a simpler regulatory framework, Poppes also suggested exploring the decapitalisation of investments in sustainable mortgage loans together with the European Banking Authority (EBA) and European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA).
Poppes added said the European Investment Bank (EIB) could also set up financing instruments, including a guarantee system.
During its general assembly, the financing coalition endorsed its work programme for 2025, which it says is designed to be action-oriented. The programme outlines several deliverables, which include the launch and implementation of national hubs and the launch of two more calls to attract new members.
One of these calls opened on 20 May with public and private financial institutions, as well as their respective representative associations, being invited to become members if they do business in at least one EU country.
The financing coalition also launched a first call for suppliers of energy efficiency solutions, stakeholders in energy-demanding industries, and industry organisations in a bid to integrate the industry sector into its activities.
National hubs to represent coalition
According to the 2025 work programme, national hubs will represent the financing coalition in each member state.
Their role will be to share best practices, address bottlenecks and develop tailored solutions at a national level. It will be up to each country to define the mandate, work programme and activities of its national hub. The hubs should be up and running by the end of the year.
“At the same time, the Commission will continue to provide EU countries with regulatory support as they implement the EU directives on energy efficiency and the energy performance of buildings,” the Commission said in a statement.
The coalition also resolved to explore the possibility of piloting innovative tripartite contracts.
The head of the secretariat of the European Energy Efficiency Financing Coalition, Carsten Glenting, told Euractiv that while investments in energy efficiency are important from a socioeconomic point of view and are often financially viable, they still do not happen at the necessary rate.
“To overcome the barriers to scaling up energy efficiency investments, the Coalition is based on a tripartite partnership between the member states, the financial sector and the European Commission,” Glenting told Euractiv.
[ Edited by Brian Maguire | Euractiv’s Advocacy Lab ]
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