As the European Union accelerates its green transition, ensuring that no one is left behind is crucial. This policy session will explore critical barriers and actionable solutions to make energy retrofits affordable and accessible for vulnerable households, setting the stage for the operationalisation of new solutions. With energy poverty on the rise and inefficient subsidy schemes often exacerbating inequalities, the session will focus on reimagining financial and policy initiatives to drive equitable energy efficiency improvements.
The discussion will begin by highlighting how outdated or misaligned subsidy schemes create bottlenecks, failing to reach those who need them most or inadvertently inflating costs. Based on field evidence from three EU-funded projects, namely REVERTER, EP-0 and RENOVERTY, three panellists will delve into the structural challenges faced by low-income and marginalised communities, such as insufficient upfront financing, complex application processes, and the lack of tailored support mechanisms, across various European countries, including Italy, Portugal, France, Greece, Latvia and Bulgaria.
Innovative solutions will take centre stage with stakeholder panellists, including best practices in designing equitable subsidy models, leveraging private-sector partnerships, investing in collective buy-in schemes, and implementing community-driven policy initiatives. Examples of successful case studies presented by financial, industrial, consultancy, energy agency and EU initiative representatives across Europe will offer valuable insights into how governments, non-profits, industry stakeholders and more can collaborate to unlock affordable, sustainable housing for all.
Ultimately, the policy session will provide fertile ground for panellists and audience members to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and contribute to a shared vision of a Europe where every household can participate in and benefit from the clean energy transition by turning barriers into opportunities for a greener, fairer future.
