The previous report (D3.2) clearly showed there is a need to enhance renovation rates in all cases, necessitating either an increase in public financing, as observed in North Macedonia and Ukraine, broader distribution to households, and improved access to alternative support instruments as seen in Bulgaria, or the stimulation of interest for participation in Hungary and Lithuania. However, the success of these efforts was contingent upon the political will and continuity within the countries, as interruptions in public support, such as those evidenced in Bulgaria or Hungary, had tangible negative consequences on renovation rates and the public discourse. The role of local authorities, identified as crucial actors in building renovation, was limited by insufficient resources and dependence on central government policies in highly centralized governance systems.

While the schemes demonstrated viable approaches for vulnerable households, there was a need to broaden the discussion to engage other low-income citizens with limited opportunities for investment in renovation projects, especially amid rising energy prices. Therefore, the next portion of activities, a so-called ‘validation phase’, was aimed to trigger intensive policy discussions, engaging public and private financing institutions to design actual financing schemes. The application of the new or adapted financial schemes has been discussed and validated at the national level through broad stakeholders’ workshops and various public events organized in each of the ComAct Pilots. The goal was to involve relevant actors and stimulate widespread adoption of proposed solutions, unlocking the considerable potential for energy-efficient renovation in Central and Eastern European countries.

The monitoring and evaluation of these engagement efforts are the direct subject of the current report. The findings and recommendations derived from the validation process in each pilot are aimed at informing policymakers both at EU and national levels, guiding future efforts, enabling the project and its stakeholders to understand the need for better and more flexible financial instruments, and ultimately, to create more sustainable and energy-efficient built environment.