First thematic report: decarbonisation of buildings and road transport in CEE countries

Decarbonising the buildings and road transport (DBRT) sectors remains a major challenge, requiring both significant investment and behavioural change. To accelerate progress, the EU will introduce a new Emissions Trading System (ETS2) in 2027, covering fuel combustion in buildings, road transport, and small industries not included in the existing EU ETS. While ETS2 will raise fossil fuel prices, it may also increase the risk of social hardship if adequate support is not provided to low- and middle-income households.

To address these concerns, the EU has created the Social Climate Fund (SCF) to support vulnerable households and micro-enterprises in the transition away from fossil fuels. Within this context, the project “ClimateFair Monitor: Towards Climate-Neutral Buildings and Road Transport”, supported by the European Climate Initiative (EUKI), brings together civil society organisations from Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Slovenia, and Romania, and also involves the European Environmental Bureau.

The project aims to (1) monitor the fairness and effectiveness of spending on DBRT decarbonisation—particularly through the SCF; (2) raise awareness among policymakers and the public; and (3) promote stakeholder participation to build support for fair and efficient carbon pricing.

As an initial step, project’s first thematic report provides an overview of the DBRT sectors in the six participating countries, examining governance structures, key trends, and support measures aimed at reducing energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Read full report here.

Photo: Zsolt Horvátk