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Atlantic Council

Summary

For decades, European policymakers have defined energy security primarily as maintaining heat during winter. From strategic gas reserves to household subsidies, systemic, top-down responses have shaped the continent’s heating strategy. 

But a new threat is emerging. The record-breaking heat wave sweeping across Europe is disrupting daily life, energy systems, and health services, exposing how unprepared Europe remains for summer extremes that are becoming longer, hotter, and more frequent.

The absence of a cooling strategy is also a missed opportunity for innovation. Smarter, cleaner alternatives already exist: district cooling networks, passive building design, heat-resilient urban planning, and next-generation thermal storage. These technologies can reduce peak electricity demand, cut emissions, and improve equity, but they require regulatory support and investment. Market forces alone won’t drive their adoption quickly or at scale. Keeping Europeans cool without driving up costs will require a balanced mix of smart policy, efficient technology, and public awareness.

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