The objective of the European Strategy 2020 maintains the intention of reaching the second decade of the twentieth century with a saving of 20% in energy consumption and in order to update and promote this objective, Directive 2012/27/EU of 25 October 2012 on energy efficiency has been approved.

Specifically, the new Directive amends Directives 2009/125/EC and 2010/30/EU on eco-design and labelling of energy-based products, while repealing Directives 2004/8/EC, on cogeneration and energy end-use efficiency, and Directive 2006/32/EC on energy services.

Among the novelties of this legislative action are the promotion aimed at the energy renovation of public buildings, procedures for contracting energy services and for products, services and buildings of a public nature, as well as the obligations of States in terms of energy efficiency.

The European Strategy 2020 has focused on energy efficiency as one of the basic pillars for job development and smart growth.