European Union avoids taking a stance on air conditioning usage amid heatwaves

Extreme heatwaves in Western Europe have sparked a political and social debate regarding the widespread use of air conditioning versus environmentally friendly alternatives. In France, this has become a key topic ahead of the 2027 presidential elections. Marine Le Pen has proposed a large-scale air conditioning installation plan, whereas Jean-Luc Melenchon opposes it, advocating for better building insulation instead. The European Commission has officially stated that it has no common policy on the matter. Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen confirmed that the EU does not intend to interfere with individual choices, noting that the issue falls under national jurisdiction. Currently, the EU is reviewing whether to establish a common policy framework. Data indicates a significant rise in public interest and demand for cooling systems across the continent.