Europe has no single "right to plug" law. What exists is a set of obligations spread across three texts: the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and the Renewable Energy Directive (RED III). For a charge point operator (CPO), the useful question is which of them applies to which site, and from when.
What the EPBD actually says
The expression "right to plug" does not appear in the EPBD recast (Directive 2024/1275). Article 14 sets obligations on buildings and asks Member States to remove obstacles for residents. The directive entered into force on 28 May 2024, and Member States must transpose article 14 by 29 May 2026. The previous directive, 2010/31/EU, is repealed from 30 May 2026.
Whether your country has transposed on time is not covered here and should be checked locally.
Obligations by building type
Article 14 distinguishes new buildings or major renovations from existing buildings.
Two limits matter. For existing non-residential buildings, renovations completed in the two years before 28 May 2024 can benefit from a postponement to 1 January 2029. And Member States may exempt cases where the installation would cost more than 10 % of the total cost of the major renovation.
What residents and tenants get
Article 14(8) asks Member States to remove obstacles in residential buildings, in particular the consent of the landlord or co-owners for a private charge point for own use. A request from a tenant or co-owner can only be refused on serious and legitimate grounds. States must also simplify installation procedures and offer technical assistance. This is the closest the text comes to a right to plug, and it is an obligation on States, not a direct right written in the directive.
What this means for the charging software
The charge points covered by article 14 must be capable of smart charging and, where relevant, bidirectional charging. They must use non-proprietary, non-discriminatory communication protocols and follow AFIR article 21(2)-(3). Pre-cabling must allow simultaneous use, and in non-residential buildings a load management system is expected where feasible.
For operators this has a practical consequence: a charge point that cannot be controlled remotely is a poor fit for these buildings.
How AFIR and RED III fit in
AFIR is a regulation: it applies directly, without national transposition, and has applied since 13 April 2024. It is not an obligation to install charge points in buildings. For public points it requires digital connection (since 14 October 2024) and smart charging capability for points built after 13 April 2024 or renovated after 14 October 2024. It also sets ad hoc payment, price transparency and, through delegated regulation 2025/656, ISO 15118 requirements for points installed or renovated from 8 January 2026. AFIR does not name OCPP.
RED III adds a smaller point for private sites: new or replaced normal-power charge points that are not publicly accessible must be able to support smart charging functions.
What to check this week
GFO Omni is a CSMS (OCPP 1.6 / 2.0.1 / 2.1) that supervises charge points remotely, which is the capability these texts take for granted.