Energy Efficiency First at the heart of the EU Climate Law

Nearly 100 businesses and associations have urged the Danish Presidency to safeguard the ambition and integrity of the EU Climate Law by keeping explicit references to the Energy Efficiency First (EE1st) principle in the Presidency’s compromise text.
EE1st is a cornerstone for building a secure, affordable, and fully decarbonised EU energy system. Removing it from the Climate Law would:
- Undermine implementation of the EU’s energy efficiency framework
- Create uncertainty for policymakers, regulators, and investors still legally bound by the Fit for 55 Package
- Weaken Europe’s collective capacity to deliver on its climate objectives
The energy efficiency industry already supports 1.2 million local jobs across Europe, generates €150 billion in direct annual turnover, cuts energy imports and strengthens European competitiveness
To unlock these benefits, the sector needs consistent, long-term political and legislative support. Weakening or removing EE1st would take us backwards – depriving European businesses of the stability and predictability needed for project delivery, large-scale industrial investments, skills development, research, and innovation.
Read the full letter here.