Europe's next post-2030 target must help people cope with today's climate

Europe is warming faster than any other continent. What was once considered exceptional is becoming routine. 

For many Europeans this reality became impossible to ignore this summer with heatwaves bringing record-breaking temperatures and prolonged heat exposure. The impacts extended far beyond discomfort. Transport infrastructure was disrupted, electricity systems came under pressure, labour productivity declined and health risks increased.  

As policymakers are discussing Europe’s post-2030 climate and energy framework, this new reality cannot be ignored. 

The public debate is often framed around emissions, competitiveness and industrial transformation. These are all key priorities, but as Commission President von der Leyen’s State of the Union speech this year rightly put it: climate resilience and adaptation must become a stronger pillar of Europe’s response to climate change.  

We must strengthen preparedness for heatwaves and other climate risks and help citizens adapt to the impacts of a warming climate.  

The lesson from this summer is clear: climate policy can no longer focus only on avoiding future warming

Buildings are where climate policy becomes real. 

Buildings are a key part of climate policy 

They sit at the centre of this challenge, accounting for around 40% of European energy use. They determine whether people are comfortable indoors, whether energy bills remain affordable and whether Europe’s energy system can cope with growing demand. Yet millions of Europeans still live in homes ill-equipped for rising cooling needs.  

The answer must go beyond merely installing more air-conditioning. Without action to reduce cooling demand, we risk increasing unnecessary pressure on electricity networks and potentially raising energy costs.  

Instead, we need a more holistic approach that combines urban planning, architecture, energy efficiency, electrification and climate adaptation. 

Recent analysis by Professor Jan Rosenow shows that Europe could reduce future electricity growth for cooling needs by up to 60% through combined efficiency measures such as shading, insulation, passive ventilation and smart controls, avoiding billions of euros in electricity costs while easing pressure on the grid. 

Energy efficiency remains one of Europe’s most effective tools to strengthen competitiveness, improve energy security and reduce emissions

Europe needs a Cooling Strategy that follows the principles of the Cooling Ladder. It’s key to first invest in creating cooler surroundings.  

The case for an EU Cooling Strategy

A resilient European building stock must then keep heat out through better building design, renovation and shading, as well as maximise passive solutions such as ventilative cooling to improve thermal comfort before relying on energy-intensive active systems.  
 
Ventilative cooling in particular offers a low-cost way to reduce overheating by harnessing naturally available ambient air while reducing electricity demand, lowering emissions and easing pressure on the grid during peak periods. 

This is where energy efficiency becomes indispensable and why a strong post-2030 framework is essential. 

Buildings are where climate policy becomes real

Energy efficiency remains one of Europe’s most effective tools to strengthen competitiveness, improve energy security and reduce emissions. On top of this, it is also a critical adaptation measure.  

Renovating and upgrading the European building stock can simultaneously lower energy demand, reduce energy bills, improve health and make homes more resilient to extreme weather. 

The lesson from this summer is clear: climate policy can no longer focus only on avoiding future warming. It must help Europeans cope with the consequences of warming that is already here. 

The post-2030 framework must also continue to place energy efficiency at its core, alongside electrification and clean technologies. Because Europeans should not have to choose between paying their energy bills and keeping cool in summer and warm in winter. 

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