The European Commission has presented a new set of measures to strengthen access to affordable, secure and clean energy for all Europeans, reaffirming its commitment to energy efficiency and citizen-centred solutions. These initiatives are particularly relevant for Europe’s islands, where energy costs are often higher, infrastructure constraints are more pronounced and households are more exposed to energy poverty.
At the heart of the package is the new Citizens’ Energy Package, which aims to reduce energy bills, empower citizens to actively participate in the clean energy transition and support Member States in implementing existing energy legislation more effectively. By focusing on fairer energy markets, lower taxes and levies on electricity, and improved consumer information, the Commission seeks to ensure that the benefits of the energy transition are felt by all, including island populations who have historically faced structural disadvantages in energy access and affordability.
For many islands, which continue to rely heavily on imported fossil fuels and face limited interconnection with mainland grids, these measures reinforce the case for accelerating local, renewable-based energy systems. The Commission underlines the importance of energy communities and citizen participation, opening new opportunities for island residents to produce, share and consume clean energy locally, while reducing exposure to volatile energy prices.
Alongside this, the Commission has unveiled a comprehensive support package to boost energy efficiency financing, with a strong focus on building renovation. This is of particular importance for islands, where older building stock, harsh climatic conditions and higher construction costs can make energy-efficient renovations more challenging. The package includes a detailed report on energy efficiency financing across Europe and concrete recommendations to unlock private investment and scale up renovation efforts.
A key element of this approach is the promotion of one-stop shops for building renovation and energy efficiency. These one-stop shops are designed to provide households with integrated technical, financial and administrative support throughout the renovation journey. For island communities, such services can play a critical role in overcoming capacity gaps, simplifying access to funding and ensuring that renovation solutions are adapted to local conditions. The Commission has confirmed that all Member States are expected to make one-stop shops available, supported by EU funding and best-practice exchange.
Taken together, these initiatives send a clear signal that affordability, social inclusion and local empowerment are central to Europe’s clean energy transition. For the Clean Energy for EU Islands initiative, they provide renewed momentum to advance island-specific solutions that combine renewable energy deployment, energy efficiency and citizen engagement. By strengthening access to finance, simplifying administrative processes and putting citizens at the centre, the new Commission measures offer tangible opportunities for islands to accelerate their transition towards resilient, affordable and climate-neutral energy systems.
Commission presents measures to increase EU's energy independence and affordability
Commission to boost access to affordable and clean energy for all Europeans
The Commission reaffirms its commitment to boost energy efficiency financing - Energy
One-stop shops for building renovation and energy efficiency - Energy