The second Policy Meeting of the EU Peers project, held in Barcelona, brought together public authorities from Spain and France, alongside experts from academia and the social sector, to compare national approaches to residential renovation and draw shared lessons. The discussion made clear that energy renovation can no longer be addressed solely as a technical issue, but must be understood as a complex process requiring citizen support, accessible financial instruments and clear multilevel coordination. In both countries, a shift can be observed from subsidies for isolated interventions towards comprehensive renovation programmes, supported by actors such as One-Stop Shops or renovation agents, albeit with differences in their degree of institutionalisation and scope.

One of the most significant themes was the recognition of summer energy poverty as an emerging challenge, particularly in southern Europe, which calls for a rethinking of both building design and urban public space. Thermal comfort, health and quality of life emerge as more effective levers than energy savings alone in engaging citizens. The key role of municipalities and national agencies was also highlighted in channelling funds, ensuring the quality of interventions and reaching vulnerable households. Overall, the meeting underlines the need for more stable, integrated and context-sensitive renovation policies if European objectives for decarbonising the building stock are to be achieved.