The Congress of Deputies approved a decree that incorporates the energy-saving measures proposed by the government. The package combines restrictions aimed at reducing consumption with support for households and public services, including thermostat limits in public spaces and automatic doors in stores, alongside consumer assistance such as transport subsidies and Renfe discounts. The question remains: what steps are European countries taking to curb energy use in a tightening energy landscape?
Germany
Germany, one of Europe’s economies with a strong reliance on Russian energy, moved forward with comprehensive savings rules last week. Public buildings are now limited to a maximum indoor temperature of 19 degrees Celsius. Common areas like corridors and lobbies will be closed when not in use as a cost-cutting measure begins this autumn.
Olaf Scholz’s government bans nighttime lighting of buildings and monuments, and trims advertisement lighting in places that are illuminated for aesthetic reasons between 22:00 and 06:00. Individuals face limits as well, such as prohibitions on heating swimming pools with gas and electricity if alternatives exist, and energy suppliers must inform customers about expected consumption and potential savings opportunities.
These steps, already adopted by several municipalities, are becoming mandatory at the national level in due course.
France
France is aligning with energy-saving directives pushed by President Emmanuel Macron. Nighttime lighting must be minimized, with light signals in public areas operating only when necessary. Businesses are required to install automatic door closers to preserve indoor temperatures. Heating should not exceed 19 degrees Celsius in winter, while air conditioning should stay below 26 degrees Celsius in summer, with penalties up to 750 or 1,500 euros depending on the violation. France’s goal is to reduce energy use by about 10 percent over the next two years.
There is also an effort to curb private air travel for short distances—less than two hours or when rail options exist—with the aim of trimming roughly 10 percent of the country’s air traffic from private flights. A policy move seen as part of a broader push to cut emissions and energy demand.
In addition, there is talk of limiting private aviation usage by individuals and firms for short hops where trains are available. France assesses that private flights account for about a tenth of air traffic in the country.
Italy
Italy has not let political instability derail its energy-savings agenda. Even with the resignation of a key leader, the government has signaled continued attention to energy conservation. Possible measures under discussion include home heating caps at 19ºC, air conditioning limits to 27ºC, defined consumption windows, and restrictions on lighting in both public and commercial spaces. Projections suggest a possible reduction of gas use by up to 20 percent, a notable goal for a country that imports a significant share of its gas from abroad.
Portugal
Portugal has not yet enacted formal measures, but current reporting indicates a task for the Ministry of the Environment to study European benchmarks and shape a country-specific plan. The goal is to assemble a package that fits Portuguese needs while aligning with broader continental efforts.
Greece, Czech Republic or Slovenia
Across Europe, the overarching aim is to cut energy consumption and reduce dependency on imports from Russia. Countries like the Czech Republic and Slovenia are advancing steps to narrow indoor temperatures in line with Spain’s model. The European Commission has welcomed these moves as part of a broader strategy to improve energy resilience. Greece has joined by setting summer and winter temperature limits at 27ºC and 19ºC respectively, paired with measures to enhance building energy efficiency.
Meanwhile, Belgium and the Netherlands are exploring new energy trade arrangements with Norway, seeking imports of gas from Scandinavia. Norway, a major gas producer, has signaled it cannot significantly expand gas supplies and has indicated limits on electricity exports, which frames Europe’s broader energy security debate.