A widespread energy poverty gender gap in the EU demands targeted policy actions

Energy poverty continues to affect millions of households across Europe, but its impact is not experienced equally. In this video, Eva Alonso-Epelde from the Basque Centre for Climate Change (BC3) presents key findings from the AdJUST project on the gender dimensions of energy poverty across the European Union.

Drawing on Eurostat household microdata from 2019, the video highlights how women-led households are disproportionately affected by difficulties such as keeping homes adequately warm and paying utility bills on time. Showing comparative maps across European countries, the presentation reveals a persistent gender gap that calls for more targeted and inclusive policy responses.

The video also explores some of the structural causes behind these inequalities, including the gender pay gap and broader socio-economic disparities that place women at greater risk of energy vulnerability. By shedding light on these overlooked dimensions, the AdJUST project contributes to a deeper understanding of how a just energy transition must also address social and gender inequalities.

Watch the video to learn why gender-sensitive policies are essential for achieving a fair and inclusive energy transition in Europe.