According to the latest Eurostat data for 2024, the problem of energy poverty still affects a significant part of the European Union’s population.
Despite the overall improvement in the situation, 9.2% of EU residents admitted that they could not maintain sufficient heat in their homes during the year. Compared to 2023, the indicator decreased by 1.4 percentage points, but the gap between the countries remains serious.
The most acute situation is recorded in the countries of Southern and Southeastern Europe. Greece and Bulgaria rank first in the EU in terms of energy poverty: about 19% of the population in both countries said they were unable to provide warm housing. Although the indicators have improved slightly compared to 2023, the problem is still systemic and is directly related to rising energy prices, low incomes and the state of the housing stock.
High values were also recorded in Lithuania, where about 18% of residents experience heating difficulties, and in Spain with an indicator of 17.5%. Experts note that the combination of climatic factors, old buildings and energy dependence makes these countries particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in electricity and fuel prices.
The situation in Cyprus deserves special attention.
In 2024, 14.6% of the island’s residents said they could not maintain a comfortable temperature in their homes during the cold season. This indicator is significantly higher than the average level in the European Union and indicates continuing problems with energy efficiency of housing and the cost of electricity. Despite the mild climate, many households face difficulties due to poor thermal insulation of buildings and high tariffs.
At the opposite end of the scale are the countries of Northern and Central Europe, where the problem of energy poverty is minimal. In Finland, only 2.7% of the population reported the inability to adequately heat their homes. Poland and Slovenia, as well as Estonia and Luxembourg, show similar indicators. These results are attributed to higher incomes, a well-developed social support system, and investments in energy-efficient technologies.
Although the Eurostat data show an overall improvement in the situation in the EU, energy poverty remains a serious social challenge. Rising energy prices, climate change, and uneven economic recovery from crises are increasing pressure on vulnerable populations. For countries such as Cyprus, Greece, and Bulgaria, housing modernization programs, household support, and an accelerated transition to more affordable and sustainable energy sources remain a priority.
A source: sigmalive.com
https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/146-kipriotov-ispyityivayut-trudnosti-s-otopleniem-svoix-domov
