On Thursday 3rd of December, we are publishing a new analysis of national plans, policies and measures in six Central and Eastern European countries to tackle energy poverty. The report, prepared by CAN Europe members and researchers across Europe, finds that Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia have failed to provide a clear definition of energy poverty in their national plans, a bare minimum required by the EU.

To give you an idea on the magnitude of problem in Central Eastern European countries, Wojciech Szymalski, from our member ISD explains:

“Energy poverty is a big problem in Poland and has a strong correlation with a level of air pollution. Most air pollution in Poland comes from small coal stoves used in private housing. The stoves need to be changed, but many people can’t afford it. Here the energy poverty lies deeper, than just in a level of energy bills. In spite of the fact that national authorities started to address the problem through the “Clean Air” program, there still needs much more to be studied and done. Local authorities and social organizations could be more active in providing support, but they seem to be blocked by the national law. This local potential needs to be unlocked.”

We are launching the report on 3rd of December from 10-11 am, in the context of the Right to Energy Forum. For more information and registration, click HERE.
In this event, speakers from the European Commission and experts in Hungary, Slovenia, Croatia and Poland will discuss their analysis of the current measures and present their recommendations on how the European Commission and national governments could address energy poverty more effectively.