Europe’s buildings sit at the heart of the energy transition. Now, the first concrete steps are underway. Eight EU Member States have submitted their draft National Building Renovation Plans (NBRPs), meeting the end-2025 deadline and launching the implementation phase of the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
These plans signal a shift from broad, long-term strategies to structured, measurable roadmaps. Unlike previous approaches, NBRPs follow a common EU framework, requiring countries to map their building stock, define renovation targets for 2030, 2040 and 2050, and identify the policies, investments, and financing tools needed to deliver them. The goal is clear: accelerate energy-efficient renovation while keeping Europe on track for climate neutrality by mid-century.
The eight early submissions -from Belgium to Spain- offer a first glimpse into how the EPBD is being translated into national and regional realities. While each plan reflects local governance structures and priorities, common themes emerge: scaling up renovation rates, addressing financial and administrative barriers, and improving coordination across public authorities. Several plans place strong emphasis on residential buildings, public leadership through renovation of public assets, and the mobilisation of public and private investment.
These drafts are only the beginning. The European Commission will now assess each plan, identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and areas for improvement. Country-specific recommendations may follow within six months, shaping how plans are refined and strengthened.
Final NBRPs are due by the end of 2026 and will become the backbone of national renovation policies across the EU. As more Member States submit their drafts, these early plans set the tone, showing how Europe’s renovation ambitions are starting to move from policy to practice.
Source: European Commission
Details
- Publication date
- 27 January 2026
- Author
- European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency