The long-awaited Electrification Action Plan (EAP) is nearly here! Already announced in September 2024 in Commissioner Dan Jørgensen’s mission letter, the Electrification Action Plan is set to be released by the European Commission during the first quarter of 2026. With the aim of accelerating electrification across buildings, transport, and industry; it will be a crucial step for the EU’s clean transition, energy security, and competitiveness.
EuropeOn has been advocating for such a plan since before the 2024 EU elections, calling for clear targets, stable policies, and a skilled workforce to make electrification happen on the ground. Now that the consultation period launched by the European Commission has just closed, EuropeOn is publishing a Position Paper outlining the key recommendations shared with the Commission.
The paper focuses on the conditions electrical contractors need to deliver the energy transition: clear electrification targets and enablers, a fully skilled workforce, smart and flexible electrification, financial support and incentives, and simplified administrative procedures.
- Clear and dedicated electrification targets
The EU should firmly deliver on the 32% electrification KPI by 2030, align existing legislation accordingly, and require Member States to include an electrification indicator in their National Energy and Climate Plans. It is also crucial to avoid rolling back on existing legislation or commitments, as predictability is essential for SMEs, who must plan recruitment and upskilling years in advance.
- A fully qualified workforce fit to electrify Europe
To intensify the efforts in tackling major labour shortages affecting the sector, we call for an EU-wide Installer Action to fund attractiveness campaigns specific to the installation sector.
On the other hand, we call Member States to implement article 28 of the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED), assessing and addressing workforce gaps in their countries, and to evaluate the amount of qualified workers needed to achieve their NECPs.
- Make the Primary Energy Factor work for electrification, not against it
The 2026 revision of the PEF is an opportunity to remove unnecessary barriers to electrification in buildings and product policy. Therefore, the Electrification Action Plan must ensure the 2026 revision of the PEF for electricity works as an incentive for electrification rather than as an obstacle, by aligning the underpinning methodology with the Commission’s aim to increase electrification.
- A financial framework geared towards electrification
To support the energy transition, ETS2 (Emissions Trading Scheme) revenues should be channelled toward energy renovations and electrification, including social leasing schemes, and be made available early to mitigate price spikes.
On the other hand, energy taxation should ensure a level playing field between electricity and other energy carriers, VAT reductions could be applied to electric technologies, and unrelated charges on electricity bills removed.
- Demand-side solutions and flexibility first
Incentives should be put forward to promote fully electrified behind-the-meter systems where technically feasible, and renovations policies and subsidies must address behind-the-meter electrical installations to enable the safe and efficient electrification of buildings.
- Electrification as a central enabler of (energy) security
Electrification can halve fossil fuel imports by 2040. Europe must strengthen building-level resilience, community micro-grids, and crisis communication to ensure a secure and decentralised energy system.
- Simplification: easier permitting and digitalisation
Harmonised and digitalised grid connection processes would save installers considerable time and accelerate deployment for consumers. The EAP must ensure that DSOs have similar procedures for grid connection to make it easier for installers working across DSOs.
