New call: the exchangeEU programme is now open! European coal, lignite, peat and oil shale (“coal+”) regions are invited to apply to the Coal regions in transition's peer‑learning programme that helps regions turn ambition into real, on‑the‑ground action by learning directly from each other through tailor‑made exchanges. ๐ช๐ต๐ฎ๐ ๐ฑ๐ผ๐ฒ๐ ๐ฒ๐
๐ฐ๐ต๐ฎ๐ป๐ด๐ฒ๐๐จ ๐ผ๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ? ✅ Peer‑to‑peer and mentor‑to‑mentee exchanges ✅ Hands‑on learning on project development, governance, skills, funding and partnerships ✅ Facilitated visits, expert input, site visits and structured follow‑up ๐ช๐ต๐ผ ๐ฐ๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐น๐? Public authorities from coal+ regions across the EU, together with local stakeholders such as industry, social partners, civil society and research organisations. ๐ Ready to accelerate your region’s transition? Connect with other European regions facing similar challenges, and shape practical solutions for a clean energy future - apply by 23 June 2026
The 1973 oil crisis triggered a multi-faceted policy response, including first steps in 1976 towards what later became the well-known ๐๐ ๐๐ง๐๐ซ๐ ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐๐ฅ ⚡ ๐ 50 years ago, on 4 May 1976, a Council recommendation on the rational use of energy for electrical household appliances was adopted. It was the first time an EU measure addressed informing the public about the energy consumption of appliances. It called on EU countries to introduce standardised energy labels for refrigerators, washing machines, cookers, televisions and more.⏩ Fast forward 50 years!Europe is dealing with the second fossil fuel supply crisis within 5 years. Energy efficient product legislation is still playing its part, informing consumers, but also helping reduce our energy dependence and our energy bills. The Commission estimates that ๐๐จ๐ง๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฆ๐๐ซ๐ฌ ๐๐๐ง ๐ฌ๐๐ฏ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฉ ๐ญ๐จ €317 in expenditures per year (in 2024 prices) from more energy efficient products alone!๐ The first product with an EU energy label, refrigerators, are today regulated in 80 jurisdictions around the globe. ๐ ️ Along the way, EU energy labels have accommodated also non-energy criteria, such as reparability or other consumer relevant information.
The EU’s wholesale electricity prices vary across location and over time due to several influencing factors. But, what exactly causes these price differences?⚡ Each EU country chooses its own energy mix. The cost for building and running a power plant is different depending on the chosen energy source (wind, nuclear, gas, etc.) and this directly influences the final electricity price.๐ The extent of interconnectivity between EU countries affects wholesale prices, which means that well-connected countries can import and export electricity more easily and efficiently, allowing cheaper and cleaner resources to be used first.๐ฅ Competition between producers can drive electricity prices down, especially in markets with a high share of renewable energy, where costs are typically lower. It also encourages efficiency and innovation among producers, leading to cost reductions which can be passed on to consumers.⛈️ Weather and seasonal conditions affect electricity prices. Periods of extreme cold or heat increase demand for heating and cooling, pushing prices up, while strong wind, rainfall, or sunshine can lower prices by increasing renewable energy generation.
