As 2026 begins, let’s start by looking ahead at our priorities for this year. The end of 2025 came with some , and 2026 promises to follow that line.
Expectations are high, but one key focus for EuropeOn this year will be predictability. 2026 will be about turning previous commitments into concrete actions and ensuring that policymakers stay the course, rather than rolling back on already made decisions.
Policy predictability as a foundation
As we have constantly emphasized, predictability is key to a competitive Europe where electrical contractors can effectively deliver electrification. In 2026, EuropeOn will continue to highlight the importance of keeping political commitments and avoiding regulatory rollbacks that create uncertainty for companies.
The priority now is the effective implementation of existing legislation, such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) or the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED). Clear timelines, stable incentive frameworks, and consistent enforcement are essential to enable electrical contracting businesses (mostly SMEs) to plan investments, train their workforce, and deliver safe installations that support Europe’s energy transition and competitiveness goals.
Advancing electrification
Electrification will once again be one of the defining themes of 2026. One of the most anticipated policy initiatives of the year is the Electrification Action Plan, expected in the first quarter of the year. Meant to accelerate 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 and recently published a Position Paper outlining key recommendations shared with the European Commission. The paper sets out the conditions electrical contractors need to deliver electrification in practice, including clear targets, a fully skilled workforce; as well as policy asks such as a Primary Energy Factor that supports electrification, and smart, flexible electrification solutions.
In 2026, EuropeOn will closely follow the development of the Electrification Action Plan and continue working with the Electrification Alliance, making sure that advancing electrification remains a top priority in EU policymaking.
Energy security and resilience
Energy security has rapidly gained political momentum. Ahead of the 15 December meeting of EU Energy Ministers with NATO deputy Secretary General, EuropeOn released its first briefing on the role of electrical contractors in Europe’s energy security: “A Resilient Europe with Shockproof Electrical Installations”. It maps both the actual and potential contribution of the sector and outlines initial policy recommendations to make electrical installations safer and ensure that electrical contractors are included in preparedness planning.
This publication marks a first step. In 2026, EuropeOn will continue developing this work, with a view to releasing a White Paper on energy security. As the European Commission prepares to review the Energy Security Framework in early 2026, this topic will remain an essential pillar for EuropeOn.
Workforce and skills will remain a key topic
None of these ambitions can be achieved without people. Addressing skills shortages will therefore continue to be a core priority in 2026. That is why EuropeOn will closely monitor the skills dimension in every policy initiative, from electrification to energy security.
We are particularly looking forward to the Vocational Education and Training (VET) Strategy, which aims to make VET more attractive and accessible, encouraging more people to pursue technical careers. EuropeOn welcomes this initiative and has already contributed input, offering recommendations to the European Commission and raising some concerns on the use of microcredentials and the automatic recognition of qualifications.
