The European Union is moving forward with its plan to phase out fossil fuel boilers across Member States by 2040, according to updated data from the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA)
released in November 2025.
As of January 2025, EU governments are no longer allowed to subsidise or incentivise the sale of stand-alone fossil fuel boilers. In parallel, the EU is strengthening energy efficiency product design regulations, which are expected to gradually eliminate the least efficient fossil fuel boilers from the market.
Several European countries have already implemented or expanded national bans. Austria has extended its existing ban on gas boilers to cover all fossil fuel boilers. Ireland has broadened its restrictions to include residential buildings and gas boilers in new constructions. In the UK, a ban on fossil fuel boilers in new buildings is expected from 2026. In other countries, previously announced measures have now entered into force.
The EHPA’s latest fossil fuel boiler phase-out map highlights the ongoing policy shift. The association distinguishes between bans affecting gas and oil boilers, and whether they apply to new or existing buildings.
According to EHPA, heat pumps accounted for approximately 28% of all space heating appliance sales in Europe last year.
