The European Commission proposes measures to promote energy efficiency and renewable energies in the housing sector

"This proposal, which would amend the current Regulation on the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), is part of the European Economic Recovery Plan, and targets low-income households, as defined in the legislation of each Member State. In current Community legislation, only the new Member States may make use of the ERDF in the housing sector. The Commission's proposal would extend this to all Member States as well as entail fewer restrictions on the types of buildings and geographical zones concerned. Specifically, however, these measures are designed to target low-income homes. In practice, this means the EU will be able to co-finance national, regional or local authority schemes to install double-glazing, wall insulation and solar panels in housing. Commenting on the proposal, Danuta Hübner, Commissioner for regional policy, said: "This is a win-win measure. It will save energy, cut emissions, bring down fuel bills for the most vulnerable in society and help the construction industry and SMEs in particular. We hope that the Council and the European Parliament will adopt this proposal without delay and that Member States will move quickly to set up schemes to harness this investment." Read more:

• Inforegio - webiste
• Commission's proposal - pdf

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