Adapting EU energy efficiency targets to V4+ regional context

Though the Visegrad Four (V4) member states inherited Soviet-era energy-intensive industries, infrastructure and buildings, they have developed invaluable expertise in energy efficiency practices and the modernization and management of energy assets. This knowledge could be effectively used by the broader V4+ community. However, strengthened European Union (EU) decarbonization goals, coupled with energy security challenges created by the Russian war in Ukraine, have increased energy savings targets and drastically reduced the timeframe for reaching these targets. All V4+ countries, consequently, must invest economic, financial and social resources that exceed their national capacities.

To transform these challenges into opportunities, the V4+ region should apply an “energy efficiency first” principle and foster adequate legal and regulatory conditions for sustainable regional development. These steps would contribute to simultaneously advancing EU decarbonization efforts and the post-war recovery of Ukraine. For this to happen though, the EU should provide sufficient financial support to bolster the production of materials and equipment integral to energy efficiency and expand the number of projects focused on intensive and sustainable renovation in the region.

Read more in the full report below.