On Tuesday 5 November, Dan Jørgensen, the Danish Commissioner-designate for Energy and Housing, spoke to MEPs Committees on Industry Research and Energy (ITRE) and on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) of the European Parliament, in a dedicated hearing in Brussels. Questioned by MEPs on a wide range of issues touching the newly created energy and housing portfolio, he provided answers to all issues addressed, receiving 115 votes in favour out of a possible 144.
In his responses to MEPs, Mr Jørgensen noted that the EU is facing an unacceptable housing crisis, where 8.9 million citizens spend more than 40% of their income on housing. He stressed the importance of taking action in this area at European level, mainly as a means to support initiatives taken at national level in respect of the subsidiarity principle. He indicated that how to better channel available EU funding will be explored.
Reiterating the promise for a “European plan for affordable housing” announced in the political guidelines of President von der Leyen, the Commissioner-designate outlined the following elements:
- An EU strategy for the construction of affordable housing, including broad consultation with all relevant stakeholders;
- A pan-European investment platform in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB);
- Efforts to retrain and improve the skills of workers in the construction sector as well as to facilitate the sharing of experience;
- The doubling of relevant funding under European cohesion policy;
- A reform of the State aid framework to facilitate the construction of affordable housing and energy efficiency measures in the Member States.
At the same time as rolling out the EU’s plan for housing, he reiterated his support for the need to renovate Europe’s existing building stock and deliver energy efficient and comfortable buildings for Europeans.
Regarding energy-related policies, affordable prices for businesses and households were discussed. Mr. Jørgensen acknowledged the difficulties for European companies in remaining competitive with US and Chinese competitors, which pay two to three times less for their energy and promised an action plan for affordable energy prices at the start of his mandate. He also recognized the urgent need to invest in energy infrastructure and electricity networks to ensure the EU’s competitiveness.
Regarding the EU’s aim for independence from Russian fossil fuels he said his intention is to present a roadmap for achieving this as quickly as possible in early 2025. Faster permitting for renewables was mentioned, as well as further support for hydrogen and a strategy for geothermal energy.
EBC congratulates Mr. Jørgensen’s for getting the European Parliament’s approval. His commitment to deliver on the Green Deal ambitions and Renovation Wave is particularly welcomed, notably the energy efficiency renovation of European buildings, at the heart of both the climate-neutrality target for 2050 and the energy security equation.
 | Our construction SMEs and craftsmen look forward to closely working with his team, once established, to deliver on a quality plan for housing, energy and construction. To watch Mr Jørgensen’s hearing at the European Parliament, click here |