The REHVA EU Policy Advocacy Group (EUPAG) conducted its inaugural meeting with the primary aim of amplifying REHVA's influence on EU policies, including the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR).

The kick-off meeting focused on outlining and consensus-building on strategies to enhance the effectiveness of REHVA's advocacy efforts. The event saw participation from 26 colleagues from REHVA  Member Associations and REHVA Supporters, all united by a commitment to work collaboratively. The group’s ethos is to forge and disseminate unified REHVA messages, supporting and sharing them across EU, national, and regional levels through REHVA Member Associations.

EUPAG unanimously recognized the importance of proactive engagement in the upcoming Parliament elections to foster connections with MEPs. As an initial step, the group prepared a brief document detailing their support for the EPBD Recast. This document is intended for distribution to select MEPs ahead of the EPBD Recast vote during the next European Parliament plenary session in mid-March 2024.

Additionally, the drafting of a REHVA manifesto on the EPBD, ahead of the European elections on June 9, 2024, was proposed. This manifesto, summarizing REHVA’s scientific and technic based stances on EPBD transpositions, aims to facilitate outreach to MEPs at European, national, and regional levels, establishing effective communication and dissemination channels. A follow-up online meeting to further deliberate on the REHVA manifesto on EPBD has been scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2024, from 8:30 to 9:30 AM (CET).

Colleagues from REHVA Member Associations and REHVA Supporters & Associate Organisations are encouraged to join the REHVA EU Policy Advocacy Group (EUPAG). If you're not already part of the REHVA family and your organisations shares the same values and vision, you are more than welcome to join us!