Story perspectives

EU Lawmakers Push AC as Essential Amid Deadly Heatwave

7/2/2026

Summary

Story summary

EU lawmakers, including Michal Kobosko and Ana Vasconcelos, urge classifying air-conditioning as essential infrastructure and call for tax cuts and deregulation.
The heatwave killed 1,300 Europeans and left 94 million exposed to over 35 °C.
90 % of UK homes and 80 % of EU homes lack AC, fueling thousands of heat-related deaths.
Experts warn AC could strain grids and worsen heat islands, urging green spaces and heat-pump projects funded by EU emissions-trading revenue.

History

Historical Context

Europe’s deadliest heat wave in August 2003, the hottest summer since 1540, killed over 70,000 people and raised mortality among those over 65 by 15 %, costing about 0.5 % of EU GDP. The crisis spurred EU climate policies, and today M Kobosko and A Vasconcelos urge the Commission to deem air-conditioning essential infrastructure to avert repeat fatalities.

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Story summary

EU lawmakers, including Michal Kobosko and Ana Vasconcelos, urge classifying air-conditioning as essential infrastructure and call for tax cuts and deregulation.
The heatwave killed 1,300 Europeans and left 94 million exposed to over 35 °C.
90 % of UK homes and 80 % of EU homes lack AC, fueling thousands of heat-related deaths.
Experts warn AC could strain grids and worsen heat islands, urging green spaces and heat-pump projects funded by EU emissions-trading revenue.

1 / 2