Why Brussels Loves AC — But Europe Still Struggles

The European AC Dilemma: A Cultural and Environmental Divide

In a summer marked by the absence of any standout radio hits, one topic dominated conversations across Europe: the continent’s complex relationship with air conditioning. This issue has long been a point of contention, resurfacing every few years as temperatures rise. However, this year, the debate reached an unusual intensity, creating a rift in cultural relations between Europeans and Americans that rivaled the impact of Trump’s tariffs or disagreements over Ukraine’s future.

Americans, puzzled by how Europeans manage without constant cooling, defend their reliance on air conditioning with a fervor reminiscent of how Italians defend their pizza toppings or how the French react to mispronounced words in their language. The statistics highlight the divide: nearly 90% of U.S. households have air conditioning, compared to around 20% in Europe, with some countries far below that figure.

In France, the discussion has even entered the political sphere, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen advocating for a major air conditioning infrastructure plan. Meanwhile, international news outlets like the Financial Times and Wall Street Journal have warned that Europe’s slow adoption of cooling technology is already costing lives. Critics have gone so far as to blame EU regulations—specifically the Green Deal—for keeping Europeans uncomfortably warm.

The Myth of the AC Ban

The EU does not outright ban air conditioning, but it regulates the systems extensively. Instead of referring to it as AC, the Brussels bubble uses the term HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning). While the EU has never banned HVACs, its rules do impose limits on harmful refrigerants, require greater efficiency, and set guidelines for buildings. These measures are part of a broader effort to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Without such regulations, a surge in inefficient air conditioners would make this goal unattainable.

F-Gas Regulation and the Shift to Cleaner Alternatives

A key component of this policy is the revised F-gas Regulation, which aims to phase out hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2050. These potent greenhouse gases are commonly used in traditional cooling systems. Manufacturers are being encouraged to adopt cleaner alternatives like carbon dioxide and ammonia. Some industry players argue that these regulations have slowed growth in the heat pump market, a technology that offers heating, cooling, and hot water. However, the EU counters that falling gas prices, weaker subsidies, and consumer caution are the real factors at play.

Ecodesign Directive and Building Efficiency

Another important measure is the Ecodesign Directive, which sets minimum efficiency standards. This effectively bans the least efficient models and pushes manufacturers toward greener designs. These rules align with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which requires upgrades in Europe’s aging housing stock through better insulation and greener heating and cooling solutions.

National Regulations and Cultural Resistance

While much of the regulation on air conditioning comes from member states, there are notable examples. Countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece limit how cold public buildings can be set during the summer, often no lower than 27°C. Historic city centers may also restrict the installation of external AC units for aesthetic reasons. Environmental concerns, such as the “heat island effect” caused by AC units raising outdoor temperatures, also play a role.

However, these are exceptions rather than explanations for Europe’s overall low uptake of air conditioning. The rest of the story lies in history and culture. Southern European cities were designed to cope with heat, featuring thick walls, shaded windows, and street layouts that maximize airflow. White paint dominates the skylines of Mediterranean areas like Santorini and Vieste, reflecting sunlight and radiant heat to keep interiors cool.

The Cost Factor

Europe’s electricity is significantly more expensive than in the U.S., and the 2022 energy crisis reinforced this point. Even though prices have stabilized, the cost of running an air conditioner remains prohibitive for many households. Although AC accounts for only about 0.6% of household electricity use across the EU, its share is rising quickly.

The Future of Cooling in Europe

As summers grow hotter and heatwaves become more frequent, Europe faces a growing challenge. The European Commission emphasizes that member states are best placed to decide on specific energy-saving measures. However, it is also preparing the EU energy sector for an era of recurring and more intense heatwaves, focusing on storage, interconnections, and grid resilience.

In the end, Europe’s low adoption of air conditioning is not due to bans or bureaucratic hostility. It is a result of a mix of culture, cost, tradition, and policy. As the climate continues to change, this balance will be tested more with each passing year.