Financing the energy renovation of churches

Question for written answer E-001402/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Catherine Griset (Patriots)

Local councillors are expressing concern about the damage that is being caused to churches and other historic monuments as a result of a lack of heating.

In France, under a law passed in 1905, parishes are required to cover the heating costs of the churches for which they are responsible. With energy prices soaring, this is something they are unable to do. Insufficient insulation and ventilation causes damp, which can damage the buildings concerned, making very expensive renovation work necessary further down the line.

Local authorities that arrange for work - including energy renovation work - to be carried out on their religious buildings do of course receive support from the state. On 15 March 2023, the French Government also mentioned the possibility of extending state subsidies for energy renovation to religious buildings, including those dating from after 1905.

At European level, places of worship are excluded from the scope of the new directive on the energy efficiency of buildings adopted by the European Parliament on 12 March 2024 and by the Council on 12 April 2024. The directive does not, however, prohibit the energy renovation of such buildings.

Will the Commission be launching a discussion on how to finance major energy renovation work in churches and other historic monuments, bearing in mind just how cash-strapped small municipalities are?

Submitted: 23.7.2024