EU Peers European project meeting in Budapest

11 partners are behind the Community of Practice EU Peers, supporting the one-stop shop development to boost residential energy renovation across Europe. The consortium met for the fifth time to discuss the status of ongoing activities and plan future activities. During the two-day gathering in Budapest, organised by Energiaklub Climate Policy Institute and held at the headquarters of Velux Hungary on Andrássy Avenue (which was awarded the title of Office of the Year), the partners had the opportunity to coordinate national and European developments supporting one-stop shops. 

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National recommendations for one-stop shop deployment

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It is very important that Member States, in line with the requirements of the European Union, establish an effective OSS network that provides independent, free technical, financial, and administrative advice, assists in the selection of reliable contractors, supports condominiums in modernization, and conducts energy efficiency campaigns to encourage renovations. However, it is worth considering what the most appropriate framework is in each Member State: what organisation(s) should provide the OSS services and to what extent, how to deal with energy poverty, how to recommend reliable contractors, who should finance the network and what expectations should be set for advisors, as well as how to support the operation of OSSs through data access and campaigns. After considering these aspects, 14 general policy recommendations were developed in four areas and discussed in Budapest. In a next step, the recommendations will be adapted to the national conditions of the priority countries in EU Peers, in coordination with the national platforms and in exchange with market players.

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Knowledge sharing, and the mentoring programme

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The EU Peers mentoring program is currently ongoing to assist one-stop shops, providing support, real-life examples and presentations on various topics (e.g., quality assurance, energy poverty, business models, motivating renovators, etc.) to help novice OSS advisors. As part of the EU Peers Mentoring Programme, a study visit to assist local governments will take place in four countries (Hungary, Ireland, Italy, and Lithuania) at the beginning of next year, where experts will be able to develop their knowledge of one-stop shop services during a two-day long personal programme. The details of the study trip were also discussed, as well as the recent takeaways of this programme to date. In addition, there was a brainstorming session to provide new ideas and to help with future sessions.

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The EU Peers campaign for cities and regions has also been tackled during the meeting: it has been running since mid-October 2025. The campaign gathers arguments for why it is worth it to open a one-stop shop in a municipality and how the OSS can support local economic development. 

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Financial products to encourage renovations

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Besides the lack of information, the most significant obstacle to renovations is the scarcity of financial resources. In the European Union, the financing needs for building renovations are significant: achieving the energy efficiency targets set for 2030 would require more than €300 billion in annual investment, which cannot be covered by public funding alone. Therefore, it is quite important that the partners reported on the effective state and municipal renovation subsidies and credit options available in their countries, as well as on innovative private financing options and their legal background. Based on the good examples, support programs, and alternative financing experiences collected in the various Member States, a training program will be developed to further educate national OSSs and the financial institutions that support them on effective and innovative financial products, their development, and their expansion. 

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Gain expertise in the financial sector

Besides the lack of information, the most significant obstacle to renovations is the scarcity of financial resources. In the European Union, the financing needs for building renovations are significant: achieving the energy efficiency targets set for 2030 would require more than €300 billion in annual investment, which cannot be covered by public funding alone. Therefore, it is important that OSSs gain expertise in the financial sector. A train the trainer module under development will bring support in this matter. By addressing questions like how can an OSS build the ideal financial project and what are the roles and rationale of the relevant stakeholders, the training will help the OSS in developing their financial advice. 

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