European Lighting Summit 2025: Key Insights and Future Directions
This blog was originally posted on 1st April, 2025. Further regulatory developments may have occurred after publication. To keep up-to-date with the latest compliance news, sign up to our newsletter.
AUTHORED BY MICHELLE WALSH, SENIOR REGULATORY COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST AND TEAM LEADER, COMPLIANCE & RISKS
On 27 March 2025, Lighting Europe hosted the European Lighting Summit 2025 in Brussels, Belgium.
The summit gathered industry leaders, EU Commission representatives, legal and sustainability experts to discuss some of the key challenges and opportunities shaping the lighting industry today.
Below are some of the highlights.
Ecodesign and Energy Efficiency
Niels Ladefoged, Head of Sector Ecodesign and Energy Labeling at the EU Commission’s DG Energy, provided crucial updates on the upcoming review of ecodesign and energy labeling regulations. This included:
- ESPR and Light Sources: Light sources have been identified as a proposed product group under discussion for the upcoming Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) and Energy Labeling Working Plan. This was initially discussed at the first Ecodesign Forum meeting on February 19-20, 2025, with the finalized ESPR working plan expected to be adopted by 19 April 2025.
- New Study on Light Sources and Control Gear: A new study will be launched in 2025, or early 2026, to examine potential ecodesign and energy labeling requirements for light sources, and ecodesign requirements for separate control gear.
- Potential New Regulations in 2029: The adoption of new regulations based on this study is anticipated around 2029.
- Standardization Request: A standardization request is currently underway to support Regulation (EU) 2019/2020 on ecodesign of light sources and separate control gear, and Regulation (EU) 2019/2015 for energy labeling of light sources. Finalization is expected in early 2025, with a duration of three years.
The most frequent technical issues identified from existing regulations, which the EU Commission hopes to tackle in the future include:
- Test methods for measuring light chains
- Ensurance tests of light chains
- Definition of “containing product”
- Difficulty to understand the energy performance of a dismountable luminaire
- Battery-operated products
Circular Economy and Sustainability
Paulina Dejmek Hack, Head of Cabinet of Commissioner Jessika Roswall EU Commission, discussed the upcoming Circular Economy Act, expected by the end of 2026.
She confirmed it will include a revision to the EU WEEE Directive with a focus on recycled content, critical raw materials, and extended producer responsibility.
She also referred to the new momentum we are seeing in the EU Commission with the focus on simplification, competitiveness and decarbonization to create a level playing field for companies operating on the European market.
PFAS Restrictions: Industry Concern
Concerns were raised regarding the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) report on a proposed PFAS restriction under the EU REACH Regulation following a request from five national authorities: Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Norway, and Sweden.
- SEMI’s Request: SEMI, the industry association for the microelectronics sector, is seeking a 12-year derogation plus an 18-month transition period for the semiconductor industry, along with R&D funding.
- Call for Alternatives: There is a call for legislators to develop suitable alternatives due to the current lack of availability. This will take considerable time as the risk of regrettable substitutions will present new health risks.
- Spare Parts Exemptions: Exemptions for spare parts will be necessary to maintain certifications and product lifecycles.
The summit also touched on other important topics, including light pollution from street lighting, cybersecurity, and e-commerce challenges. The event fostered open dialogue between industry stakeholders and policymakers, demonstrating the lighting industry’s commitment to leading future European policy development.
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Edited by Compliance & Risks
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