EU urges Hungary to implement energy efficiency rules

In the infringement proceedings against Hungary the European Commission issued a reasoned opinion in June 2026, calling on the country to complete the implementation of the revised EU Energy Efficiency Directive into its national legal framework. Following its assessment, the Commission concluded that certain mandatory provisions of the Directive have not yet been fully or correctly transposed.

The revised Energy Efficiency Directive forms a central pillar of the EU's Green Deal and Fit for 55 legislative package. Its primary objective is to reduce overall energy consumption across the European Union while strengthening energy security, supporting the transition to climate neutrality, and contributing to more affordable energy prices for consumers and businesses.

Among its most significant measures, the Directive establishes binding targets for reducing both primary and final energy consumption across Member States, and strengthens annual energy savings obligations and introduces additional measures aimed at protecting vulnerable consumers and reducing energy poverty. In addition, it requires the public sector to take a leading role by lowering its own energy consumption and accelerating the renovation of publicly owned buildings, and reinforces the "Energy Efficiency First" principle, requiring Member States to assess energy efficiency considerations before adopting major policy measures or making significant investment decisions in both the energy and non-energy sectors.

The implementation of the revised Directive extends beyond environmental policy. It will influence a broad range of regulatory areas, including public procurement, building renovation programmes, energy-intensive industries, infrastructure investments and public sector operations. For businesses, particularly those operating in the energy, construction, manufacturing, and real estate sectors, the forthcoming legislative changes may create new compliance obligations while also opening opportunities through energy efficiency investments and public support schemes.

The Commission has granted Hungary a two-month deadline to remedy the identified shortcomings. If the national legislation is not brought into compliance within this period, the Commission may refer the matter to the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). Should the Court confirm the infringement, Hungary could ultimately face financial penalties for its continued non-compliance.