AccelerateEU energy best practices aim to strengthen resilience
Learning from the measures adopted by Member States since the 2022 energy crisis is at the heart of the European Commission’s new AccelerateEU energy best practices catalogue. The initiative brings together effective and scalable solutions that can help consumers, businesses and national energy systems respond more efficiently to the current crisis.
Despite becoming more resilient to energy shocks over the past four years, the European Union remains highly exposed to external risks. In many cases, governments continue to rely on broad fiscal interventions that may prove unsustainable over the long term.
A catalogue of replicable solutions for Member States
Presented to the Energy Council on 13 May 2026 as part of the AccelerateEU Communication, the catalogue is intended to help Member States lower energy costs in the short term while reinforcing Europe’s long-term energy independence.
“The measures outlined in this catalogue can be easily replicated across our countries and are designed to reduce the impact of the current situation on both households and businesses, while accelerating the transition to clean energy,” said Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing.
The document focuses on three main areas:
- Consumer protection;
- Faster deployment of energy efficiency measures;
- Increased investment in clean technologies.
Brussels also plans to update the catalogue regularly, incorporating additional measures to mitigate the effects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and other emerging challenges.
AccelerateEU energy best practices build on existing EU legislation
A significant part of the catalogue focuses on implementing existing European legislation and policy instruments, areas where several Member States still lag behind.
Among the recommendations, countries are encouraged to implement National Building Renovation Plans and prioritise renovation measures already included in national strategies, ensuring stable funding mechanisms and streamlined administrative procedures.
According to the European Commission, accelerating the implementation of existing EU energy legislation could reduce natural gas demand by 10 to 15 billion cubic metres annually and cut oil consumption by 15 to 20 million tonnes per year.
Supporting renewable energy deployment
One of the fastest ways to reduce dependence on fossil fuels is to accelerate the deployment of mature clean energy technologies already available on the market.
To achieve this, the Commission highlights the need to remove regulatory barriers and introduce incentives such as tax credits, accelerated depreciation schemes and reduced VAT rates. It also encourages the widespread adoption of modular technologies, including balcony solar systems.
For renewable energy projects, Member States are encouraged to:
- Designate renewable acceleration areas;
- Apply the presumption of overriding public interest;
- Digitalise permitting and authorisation procedures.
The catalogue also reinforces the importance of self-consumption and energy communities. Citizens, SMEs and farmers should be empowered to benefit directly from renewable electricity generation through dedicated tariffs and exemptions from network charges.
To support this process, governments are encouraged to establish national offices or hubs capable of providing technical and legal assistance.
Energy best practices for transport
Transport is identified as another strategic sector for reducing oil demand.
The catalogue recommends expanding railway infrastructure and introducing discounted or flat-rate national rail passes. It also supports measures that encourage active mobility and shared transport solutions.
In addition, Member States are invited to provide temporary incentives for the purchase of electric cars, vans and trucks, helping accelerate transport electrification while reducing fossil fuel consumption.
Energy efficiency remains the first priority
The European Commission places energy efficiency at the centre of its strategy.
According to Brussels, a multi-level approach combining regulatory certainty, simplified procedures and improved access to information is essential to strengthen investor confidence.
One proposed measure would require companies to follow up on energy audits by implementing high-impact efficiency actions with rapid payback periods, for example within three years.
Member States are also encouraged to use coordinated planning tools, including National Building Renovation Plans and Local Heating and Cooling Plans, to identify long-term investment needs.
Additional recommendations include:
- Reduced VAT rates for renovation works;
- Accelerated depreciation schemes for businesses;
- Mechanisms allowing investment costs to be offset against property taxation.
Demand response and smart energy management
The catalogue dedicates a specific section to demand response as a key tool for improving system resilience.
The Commission argues that Member States should accelerate the deployment of smart meters, smart grids and system-friendly network tariffs that reward consumers for reducing electricity consumption during peak demand periods.
Governments are also encouraged to introduce programmes featuring dynamic pricing and financial incentives for households and businesses willing to adjust their energy use according to grid needs.