Sales of heat pumps have increased by more than 11% in the first six months of this year, according to the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA). In twelve countries across Europe, households purchased 1.6 million units, compared to 1.05 million in the first half of 2025. This growth is partly due to the rising cost of oil and gas, as well as reduced electricity taxes, which have made heat pumps a more attractive and sustainable option for heating homes. Heat pumps work by transferring thermal energy from a low-temperature source, such as air, ground, or water, to a warmer medium, rather than generating heat through fuel combustion. This process is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. The European Commission has proposed an electrification action plan that aims to make electricity more affordable compared to gas by adjusting energy taxes. These changes are intended to promote the use of sustainable heating solutions like heat pumps. The adoption of heat pumps varies across European countries, often depending on local government policies and energy pricing. In Germany, for example, a dedicated subsidy system has helped make heat pumps the most commonly installed heating technology in homes. However, in some countries, such as Belgium, Romania, and the United Kingdom, electricity remains significantly more expensive than gas—up to five times more in some cases. As a result, households in these regions are less inclined to adopt heat pumps, despite some tax reforms aimed at reducing electricity costs. Paul Kenny, director general of the EHPA, emphasizes the need for further policy changes to support the transition to cleaner energy. He suggests eliminating electricity taxes and applying them instead to fossil fuels, a strategy already pursued by the Netherlands. While the European Commission has outlined this approach, Kenny notes that all EU governments must now implement it effectively. The recent tensions in the Middle East, sparked by events linked to Donald Trump, may act as a catalyst for accelerating the energy transition across the European Union, though the path to a fully clean energy system remains challenging.