Key facts
- The European Commission will not dictate consumer choices on air conditioning.
- Record heatwaves have intensified political debate over air conditioning in Europe.
- The EU executive's focus is on energy efficiency and climate neutrality, not individual AC unit decisions.
- Most European homes lack air conditioning, unlike in the US, Japan, and South Korea.
- The Commission plans to present an Electrification Action Plan for heating and cooling systems.
The European Commission has adopted a neutral stance on the increasingly contentious debate surrounding air conditioning use amid record-breaking heatwaves across the continent. The EU executive stated it is not its role to dictate consumer choices regarding AC units, emphasizing instead the importance of building renovation and energy efficiency as part of the transition to climate neutrality.
Anna-Kaisa Itkonen, a spokesperson for the European Commission on climate, noted that a significant majority of residential buildings in the EU do not traditionally have air conditioning, often due to the age of the housing stock. This contrasts sharply with countries like the United States, Japan, and South Korea, where AC installation rates exceed 90%.
The debate over air conditioning has become a political flashpoint, particularly after a recent heatwave resulted in over 1,300 excess deaths. Critics argue that widespread AC use increases electricity demand, strains power grids, and contributes to climate change if not powered by renewable sources. Conversely, proponents view AC as essential for maintaining liveable conditions and labour productivity during extreme temperatures.
While the Commission is treading cautiously, it indicated a potential review of its neutral position if the political landscape shifts. The executive's immediate focus remains on its broader climate goals, including the upcoming Electrification Action Plan aimed at electrifying the bloc's heating and cooling systems. The current approach reflects a broader recalibration of the EU's Green Deal, with an increased emphasis on 'net zero' and 'decarbonisation'.