The EU launches a new digital era for energy labels

Brussels – Forget the old paper labels and endless red tape: the European Union presented today (24 June) a proposal to simplify the rules on energy labels. The new proposal put forward by the European Commission aims to move away from the old system, allowing shops to replace paper labels with modern electronic displays and to introduce QR codes for all products – such as those in vending machines or large refrigerated display cabinets – that are not directly visible to the public. As highlighted by the European Commission’s Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Fair and Competitive Transition, Teresa Ribera, the objective is ambitious: “Energy labels empower consumers to make informed choices that save them money, and in today’s context, that matters more than ever. Our proposal makes the rules fit for the digital age, clearer for consumers, easier for businesses, stronger on standards.” The proposal was presented today at the Berlaymont Building by Commissioners Valdis Dombrovskis for the Economy and Wopke Hoekstra for Climate Action and Taxation, alongside the proposal to simplify the tax system.

This change doesn’t just affect how shelves look; it goes straight into home‑contract rules, requiring that for products such as boilers or custom‑made kitchens the energy label be shown at the exact moment of the contractual offer, that is, when the customer is actually deciding whether to buy. Smartphones will also undergo a transformation, featuring crucial information on durability and repairability, thereby helping citizens to invest in products that do not need to be replaced after just a few months. The Commissioner for Energy, Dan Jørgensen, highlighted the impact of these policies, stating that “EU energy labels are already estimated to save consumers around €100 billion every year,” he said. “With this proposal, we want to build on that success, unlocking even greater savings for households while making it simpler and less burdensome for businesses to provide and display this information.”

In addition to the benefits for people’s wallets, the initiative provides a breath of fresh air for the economy, with estimated savings for businesses and supervisory authorities of around 125 million euros a year over the next decade. This is part of the twelfth step in a broader strategy to cut administrative burdens by 25 per cent by 2030, strengthening European competitiveness without compromising on controls. On this balance, Valdis Dombrovskis was categorical: “We are cutting red tape without cutting corners. The packages put forward today send a strong message: we remain firmly committed to slashing red tape and removing barriers that have held companies back for too long.” As Europe moves towards an era of full electrification, the smart management of every kilowatt-hour becomes crucial, and tools such as the digital database EPREL will be enhanced to ensure that no one, particularly in online sales, can circumvent the efficiency rules that protect the environment and keep our energy bills down.

English version by the Translation Service of Withub