Tax for owners: up to 60 thousand euros from each.

Interns April 13, 2024 - 06:00 Energy modernization will affect 5 million buildings in our country. Total costs are estimated at 275 billion euros. Final amendments: a ban on gas boilers. Listen now: "A blow to the pockets of owners: up to 60,000 euros per person." Thoughts on the heavy financial burden for owners: up to 60,000 euros for each.

The legislation on "green" homes has become official. After a vote at the Council of Europe on economics and finance, the controversial directive, which had been long debated and faced resistance, was finally adopted despite opposition from Italy and Hungary. Although various changes were made compared to the original version (the initial draft stated that those who do not implement energy efficiency measures cannot sell or rent their homes), significant issues remain that are causing protests from the Italian government.

Despite the fact that the parliamentary discussions in Europe over the past few months have allowed for some improvements to the text, the most crucial part remains the financial aspect of the issue — who will bear the costs? Will it fall on the shoulders of individual states or consumers?

According to estimates by the European Commission, an annual investment of 275 billion euros will be needed to modernize the housing stock, which is 152 billion euros more than the current budget allocations. In Italy, there is already an example of a super bonus that cost approximately 135 billion euros and had a significant impact on the budget, making it difficult to allocate similar funds in the coming years for financing necessary measures related to compliance with new "green" standards. It is clear that a large portion of the financial burden will fall on citizens, especially on those segments of the population who cannot afford modernization.

Across the continent, at least 55% of the necessary reduction in energy consumption must be achieved through the renovation of the oldest buildings, which make up 43% of all properties.

Although the document mentions the need for member states to implement measures for technical assistance and financial support, including for vulnerable households, there are no specific indications of what measures will be taken.

One of the central tasks of this directive is the necessary transition to more efficient energy-saving classes, as buildings contribute about one third of all greenhouse gas emissions in Europe. With the new rules coming into effect, by 2030 all non-residential buildings will be required to exceed 16% of the least energy-efficient buildings, and by 2033 this figure must increase to 26%.

In addition, by 2030, new buildings must be constructed with zero emissions, while the entire EU building stock must achieve this by 2050. The final version of the directive establishes an obligation for states to ensure a reduction in average energy consumption in residential buildings by 16% by 2030 and by 20-22% by 2035. A new aspect is the intention to gradually phase out the use of fossil fuel boilers by 2040, although tax incentives related to the replacement of boilers will cease to apply starting January 2025.

Currently, states have two years to adapt these European regulations into their legislation, and the commission plans to review the directive in 2028. This opens a new and more complex chapter for national governments, related to issues of environmental policy — it will be necessary to balance ecological transformation with socio-economic costs to avoid turning the EU housing directive into an additional financial burden for citizens.