The European Commission has published the 2025 Climate Action Progress Report and its accompanying Staff Working Document in November 2025 to assess climate progress and address the need for greater energy efficiency in buildings across the European Union.

The report identifies the buildings sector as a key area for achieving climate neutrality. It notes that emissions from buildings have decreased since 2005, but the current rate of renovation and energy efficiency improvements must increase to align with the 2030 emission reduction targets.

The document underlines that improving energy efficiency in the building stock is essential to reducing energy consumption, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting the decarbonisation of the economy. It also highlights the importance of linking renovation efforts with the replacement of fossil fuels and the implementation of higher performance standards.

To meet EU objectives, Member States are encouraged to strengthen their national renovation plans, expand financing for deep refurbishment, and adopt minimum energy performance standards for both existing and new buildings.