Brussels targets fossil fuel cuts with remote work proposal

The European Commission has outlined a set of proposed measures aimed at reducing fossil fuel consumption as Europe grapples with an energy crisis triggered by the war in the Middle East.

According to the Financial Times, which cited a draft document, the plan is set to be presented to EU member states next week and focuses on both immediate relief and longer-term structural adjustments.

Among the key recommendations is the promotion of remote work, including the introduction of at least one mandatory work-from-home day per week. The Commission also proposes expanding subsidies for public transportation and cutting taxes on energy-efficient technologies such as heat pumps, solar panels, and boilers.

The draft further calls for accelerating the electrification of the economy and developing preferential leasing schemes for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. A central objective is to reduce the European Union’s reliance on oil and gas imports.

The document emphasizes that the measures are non-binding and designed to provide “immediate relief” to households and businesses facing elevated energy costs. However, it also warns that the ongoing energy crisis could evolve into a broader fiscal challenge as government spending increases across member states.

At the same time, the Commission is preparing legislative initiatives to reform the electricity market, lower transmission costs, and revise tax frameworks in order to support the transition toward cleaner energy sources.

By Tamilla Hasanova