5th Meeting of the EU Peers Hungarian Community

On 9 May, Energiaklub organised the fifth Hungarian EU Peers community meeting, bringing together 14 professionals from across the one-stop shop (OSS) ecosystem. Participants included providers focused on single-family and multi-apartment buildings, as well as organisations supporting OSSs through finance, research, and international projects.

The meeting was split into two focused sessions: the first dedicated to OSSs working in the single-family home sector, and the second to those supporting apartment buildings. Discussions centred on current challenges, funding schemes, and collaboration opportunities.

Key Topics in the Single-Family Home Segment

A major topic was Hungary’s two parallel energy efficiency support programmes: the Energy Efficiency Home Renovation Programme (OFP) and the Rural Home Renovation Support Scheme. While the OFP is more complex (requiring a 14% co-financing rate, no outstanding debts, and a 12-year mandatory loan), the rural scheme is more accessible for energy-poor households - though many of these homes face structural issues.

Participants agreed that low digital literacy and lack of upfront funding for energy audits often slow down the application process. Banks involved in the programmes also vary widely in their level of cooperation and awareness. A suggestion emerged to publish clearer eligibility criteria at the programme launch stage to avoid unnecessary consultations.

Policy & Market Trends

Participants discussed the recent tightening of Hungary’s Energy Efficiency Obligation Scheme (EEOS), which is expected to raise the market value of certified energy savings - a potential boost for renovation activities. However, low-cost interventions like attic insulation continue to distort the market. Questions were raised about the implementation of mandatory energy efficiency advisory services by large utility companies under the updated law.

Public Engagement & Awareness

A shared concern was the lack of public understanding of the long-term benefits of energy efficiency. Attendees proposed launching a joint social awareness campaign, potentially involving well-known public figures to help deliver messages to a broader audience. The idea of forming a network called ‘RenoMentor’ network to strengthen professional identity and public trust was also discussed.

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Updates on Multi-Apartment Renovation

Ada Ámon, head of the Budapest Climate Agency, presented updates on the Budapest Green Panel Programme, which is supported by the city and eight districts. While the programme is well-structured, recent political decisions have cast uncertainty over funding and implementation responsibilities. Concerns were raised about shifting the programme's management to the large and bureaucratic Budapest Public Utilities, potentially slowing progress.

Participants agreed on the importance of keeping climate expertise and long-term renovation strategies within the Climate Agency, which has broader ambitions including decarbonising heating systems citywide.

Future Steps

Following an overview of the latest EU Peers developments, Ilona Illésné Szécsi (EU Peers Hungarian community project manager) presented MEHI’s new recommendations to policymakers, advocating for a national, high-quality OSS network. The group showed strong support, and the idea of founding an association to enhance advocacy efforts was well received.

Stay tuned as the Hungarian network evolves and the local OSS providers work together for smarter, more inclusive energy renovations.