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EU Draft ‘Accelerate Eu’ Plan Urges Telework, Heating Cuts and Cheaper Transit to Curb Energy Use

The nonbinding guidance responds to supply risks flagged by the International Energy Agency.

Overview

  • The Commission’s draft, which surfaced Friday and will be unveiled April 22, sets at least one mandatory telework day a week for roles that allow it and has already drawn criticism in Italy.
  • It asks households and public buildings to lower heating and cooling, including keeping condensing boilers under 50°C and shifting heavy electricity use outside peak hours.
  • The plan pushes cheaper or free public transport for vulnerable riders and calls for fewer business flights, more low‑traffic zones, and car‑free days in cities.
  • Brussels pairs conservation steps with targeted energy vouchers, the option of temporary regulated prices, and incentives such as leasing and tax breaks for heat pumps and rooftop solar.
  • EU officials say they see no systemic fuel shortage after the IEA warned Europe could have only about six weeks of jet‑fuel reserves if Strait of Hormuz flows stop.