Niels Fuglsang clarifies statement on energy renovations. Niels Fuglsang (S), a candidate for the upcoming EP election, has now clarified a previous statement on energy renovations that has sparked significant criticism. Contrary to what was previously reported by DR, Fuglsang does not believe that Danish homeowners should bear the entire cost of making their homes more environmentally friendly. On the social media platform X, Fuglsang wrote: “I can see that there has been a lot of debate after my statement to DR about energy renovations. Allow me to clarify: I do not believe we should leave a bill for homeowners. I completely agree with Christel Schaldemose that the green transition should be socially just. I did not emphasize this clearly enough in my interview with DR.” In the interview with DR earlier that day, Fuglsang stated that he wanted Danish homeowners to ensure that their homes have at least an energy label E by 2035. When asked if homeowners would have to pay for these improvements in the short term, he replied, “In the short term, there are some investments that need to be made. That is clear enough.” However, he added that the state and the EU should provide support to help the most vulnerable citizens. The proposal has been criticized by, among others, the lead candidate for the Danish People’s Party (Dansk Folkeparti) for the EP election, Anders Vistisen, who called it “a terrible proposal” that could make hundreds of thousands of homeowners technically insolvent. An expert has also stated to the media that it may not be appropriate to demand energy renovations by 2035. Fuglsang, however, maintains that homes must become more environmentally friendly, but he now emphasizes that it must be done in a socially responsible manner. “We have a responsibility to improve our energy efficiency. But it must be done in a socially responsible way,” he says.

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