ECR Member Marshal Witold Kozłowski highlighted to participants in the European Committee of the Regions' plenary session the huge opportunity offered by the Renovation Wave initiative to overcome the economic crisis caused by the pandemic – it will allow the creation of jobs, improve people's well-being and combat energy poverty. Stressing that if we are to take advantage of this opportunity, then it is essential to "absorb funds effectively and provide advice to citizens", urged the Marshal. For him, the Renovation Wave is in fact "already under way in many European regions".

As Marshal of the Małopolska region, he provided it as an example: here they have replaced outdated furnaces, promoted renewable energy sources and improved control systems. They have also set up specific support programmes for those at risk of energy poverty.

The Marshal pointed out that "change can be achieved in a short period of time", for example, between 2013 and 2019, by getting rid of almost 60 thousand solid fuel boilers and stoves in Małopolska, they were able to reduce the PM10 concentration levels by 30% in his region.

The Marshal sees the Commission's ambitious Renovation Wave plan as an initiative that will allow local governments in Europe to speed up the actions they are already implementing.

Of utmost importance for the EU programme to fully achieve its objectives, according to the Marshal, is helping citizens to understand them. For example, in the Małopolska region they have implemented the idea of eco-advisers under the EU's LIFE programme, for which Małopolska received EU funding. Mr Kozłowski mentioned that it may be worth considering the idea that every European municipality could have an eco-adviser who would provide support and guidance on making good use of existing funds.

 He concluded his intervention in this debate on the Renovation Wave with the European Commissioner responsible for Energy, Kadri Simson, by expressing his appreciation for the support they have received, whilst encouraging all regions to develop a network of eco-advisers and for the European Commission to continue its support in this regard.