Public buildings must be emission-free from 2028. Slovakia faces a difficult preparation.
The new EU directive stipulates that all public buildings built after 2028 must be in the zero-emission building category. The requirements will later be extended to new private buildings and gradually to existing buildings.
Rapid pace of implementation of changes
Slovakia must incorporate the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive into its legislation by the end of May 2026.
“The directive focuses on four areas. These are building renovation, emission reduction, modernization and addressing financial issues. The European Commission has also prepared a support package with practical guidelines to help countries implement these rules into national legislation,” the European Commission Representation in Slovakia said in a statement.
Some representatives of the construction sector point out that the pace of implementation of changes is rapid and that the Slovak construction industry is not sufficiently prepared. Manufacturers of masonry materials criticize the methodology for calculating the global warming potential, and architects point out that Slovakia did not use the previous years for systematic preparation.
Low number of workers in the construction industry
A long-term problem is also the lack of qualified workers. According to the Slovak Construction Industry Association, it will be key to:
– set reasonable transitional rules,
– simplify administrative processes,
– ensure targeted support for education and innovation.
The final impact on the sector will depend on how accurately Slovakia transposes the directive into its legislation by May 2026. Without coordination and clear support from the state, there is a risk that the requirements will not be met in a timely or effective manner.