Although heating costs are rising, not everyone is choosing ways to reduce their bills; the situation is quite concerning

Wednesday, Oct 1, 2025

European countries face aging housing stock; Lithuania is actively modernizing, though progress remains slow.

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In Spain, over 81 percent of buildings have the worst energy rating (E, F, G), while nearly a third of homes in France were built before 1949, and over 850,000 older buildings exist in Austria. Although Lithuania is actively modernizing housing, last year’s data showed about 35,000 houses awaited renovation. In Lithuania, municipalities are leading the way; BirÅ¡tonas has renovated over 60 percent of its apartment buildings, Palanga slightly over half, and Druskininkai 44 percent. The Environmental Protection Agency (APVA) noted an increase in renovations in 2024 compared to 2023, with most achieving a B energy efficiency class. However, only about 12 percent of all apartment buildings in Lithuania have been renovated over the last two decades. Romania has one of the oldest housing stocks in the EU, with significant concerns regarding both energy efficiency and seismic safety due to its active fault lines. Various European countries are addressing old building issues; for instance, Spain’s aging apartments contribute significantly to CO2 emissions. In Lithuania, a multi-family house modernization project is available until April 1, 2026, supported by €165 million from the European Investment Bank. Renovation requires a long-term process involving individual assessment and community agreement to realize benefits like lower bills and increased property value.


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