L-istrateġija tal-UE dwar ir-rinnovazzjoni hija neċessità assoluta

The European strategy on A Renovation Wave for Europe is an absolute necessity, and is indispensable for the European Union and its citizens. In an opinion drafted by Pierre Jean Coulon and Laurențiu Plosceanu and adopted at the February plenary session, the EESC backs the proposal on building renovation put forward by the European Commission as a way of "greening our buildings, creating jobs, and improving lives".

Accounting for 40% of total energy consumption, homes and other buildings across the EU need to undergo a renovation wave – an initiative spurred on by the European Union. This strategy is part of a holistic approach to long-term public investment, sustainable development, health protection (including the handling of asbestos in renovation work), the green transition and the effective implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights with regard to sustainable and affordable housing.

Commenting during the debate, Mr Coulon said: "The renovation wave strategy is a "win-win-win" for the European Union – a threefold victory for the climate, for economic recovery through the local jobs created, and finally for the fight against the pandemic and energy poverty, promoting sustainable housing for all, including vulnerable people."

Echoing his words, Mr Plosceanu concluded by saying that "this strategy needs to bring the European Union closer to its citizens and the places where they live, and the Committee will support it and actively feed into it with its reflections and proposals. This begins with an appropriate communication campaign on the renovation schemes in force and how to access them." MP