Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002441/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Vicent Marzà Ibáñez (Verts/ALE)
The Commission is working on the regulation derived from Regulation (EU) 2024/1781 on ecodesign requirements for sustainable products (the Ecodesign Regulation). With regard to wood-fired boilers and built-in fireplaces, there seem to be requirements that may involve adapting facilities and replacing equipment that would reduce their emissions, but also render them inoperative in a power cut (a common occurrence in many rural areas, particularly when there are winter storms), and place a significant financial burden on the poorest families in rural areas, whose average income is barely 75 % of the EU average.
This matter seems to be a clear example of the relevance of the introduction in this and many other legislative and policy initiatives of the rural proofing mechanism, which the Commission says it supports. In view of the above:
- 1.Should the Commission not put its proposal through the rural proofing mechanism with a view to reformulating it to provide for starting conditions that are more in tune with the actual circumstances in rural areas?
- 2.What plans, timetable, means and instruments does the Commission have for the introduction of the rural proofing mechanism in all its laws, policies and measures?
Submitted: 17.6.2025