BAKGRUNN (fra kommisjonsrekommandasjonen)

(1) Directive 2012/27/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (1) introduced a requirement to achieve the headline target of at least 32,5 % energy savings at Union level by 2030.

(2) In its Recommendation (EU) 2019/1658 (2), the Commission provided guidance to the Member States for transposing and implementing the energy savings obligation pursuant to Directive 2012/27/EU, supporting them in putting in place the adequate measures, tools and methodologies in order to be able to fully tap into their energy savings potential and achieve the energy efficiency headline target.

(3) Directive (EU) 2023/1791 of the European Parliament and of the Council (3) was adopted on 13 September 2023. It recast Directive 2012/27/EU, keeping some of its provisions unchanged while, at the same time, introducing some new requirements. In particular, it significantly raised the level of ambition for 2030 in terms of energy efficiency, including as regards the energy savings obligation.

(4) Directive (EU) 2023/1791 increased the energy savings obligation. By ensuring stability for investors and encouraging long-term investments and long-term energy efficiency measures, the energy savings obligation plays an important role in the creation of local growth, jobs and competitiveness, while also contributing to alleviate energy poverty. It would ensure that the Union can achieve its energy and climate objectives by creating further opportunities and by breaking the link between energy consumption and growth.

(5) Directive (EU) 2023/1791 has an impact on both the current (2021-2030) and the future obligation periods (2031-2040 and beyond) of the energy savings obligation, as laid down in Article 8(1) therein. Member States should be supported in implementing new requirements laid down in Directive (EU) 2023/1791 which are relevant for both current and future obligation periods, and in identifying which requirements have been clarified in Directive (EU) 2023/1791 but not changed when compared to Directive 2012/27/EU.

(6) Member States are to bring into force the laws, regulations and administrative provisions transposing Articles 8, 9, 10 of Directive (EU) 2023/1791 and Annex V thereto by 11 October 2025.

(7) Member States can choose at their discretion the way of transposing and implementing the requirements regarding the energy savings obligation that is best suited to their national circumstances. In this context, it would be recommended to interpret the relevant provisions of Directive (EU) 2023/1791 in a consistent way which would contribute to a coherent understanding of Directive (EU) 2023/1791 across Member States as they prepare their transposition measures.

(8) Moreover, this Recommendation should provide guidance on the interpretation of those provisions of Directive (EU) 2023/1791 that have been amended in comparison with Directive 2012/27/EU. It should therefore be read alongside Recommendation (EU) 2019/1658 and complement the latter,