In a summer defined more by scorching temperatures than catchy radio hits, one debate dominated conversations across Europe: why do Europeans still resist air conditioning?
The divide has become emblematic of broader cultural and political differences between Europe and the United States. While nearly 90% of American households rely on air conditioning, only about 20% of Europeans do, with some countries falling far below that figure.
For many Americans, the idea of enduring relentless summer heat without cooling is unthinkable. Yet in Europe, the hesitation persists—driven by cultural habits, architectural traditions, and environmental concerns.
The debate reached new intensity this year, with international outlets like the Financial Times and the Wall Street Journal warning that Europe’s slow embrace of cooling technology could cost lives during increasingly severe heatwaves.
In France, the issue even entered politics, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen urging the country to develop large-scale AC infrastructure.
At the same time, some critics accused Brussels of standing in the way of wider adoption. Rumors spread that the European Union had banned air conditioning or restricted installations as part of its flagship Green Deal.
But experts stress that these claims are misleading. “There is no ban on air conditioning in the EU,” says an energy policy analyst based in Brussels. “What exists are regulations that set efficiency standards and limit harmful refrigerants. The goal is to allow cooling but in a sustainable way.”
Indeed, what the EU actually regulates are the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that power cooling in homes and businesses. The rules focus on phasing out refrigerants with high greenhouse gas potential, improving energy efficiency, and ensuring that new buildings meet sustainable design standards.
The reasoning is clear: Europe has committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2050. Without efficiency standards, a sudden surge in air conditioning use could overwhelm electricity grids, drive up emissions, and undermine the continent’s climate goals.
In practice, however, resistance to air conditioning is not purely regulatory. Cultural attitudes play a major role. Older European buildings were designed for natural ventilation, with thick walls and shutters to keep interiors cool.
Many Europeans also associate air conditioning with unnecessary excess, discomfort, or even health risks, unlike in the U.S., where it is seen as an essential utility.
Still, as summers grow hotter, that perception may shift. Cities such as Paris, Berlin, and Madrid have reported record-breaking temperatures, leading to excess mortality during heatwaves.
Public health experts warn that while fans and open windows may once have sufficed, climate change is making air conditioning a life-saving necessity.
For now, Europe remains caught between two priorities: protecting public health during extreme heat and staying on course to meet its ambitious climate goals. The EU insists it is not against cooling—but it wants innovation in HVAC technology to ensure comfort doesn’t come at the planet’s expense.
