On 11 September 2012, the European Parliament adopted in first reading the Energy Efficiency Directive. The directive brings forward legally binding measures to step up Member States efforts to use energy more efficiently at all stages of the energy chain – from the transformation of energy and its distribution to its final consumption.

A political agreement on the draft Energy Efficiency Directive between the European Parliament and the Council was reached on 13 June 2012. The European Parliament voted in favour of the Energy Efficiency Directive on 11 September 2012.

Measures include the legal obligation to establish energy efficiency obligations schemes or policy measures in all member states. These will drive energy efficiency improvements in households, industries and transport sectors. Other measures include an exemplary role to be played by the public sector and a right for consumers to know how much energy they consume