There has been a prevalent rumor circulating on social media that the European Union (EU) intends to prohibit the use of wood for heating private homes. This claim is not supported by evidence and lacks any rationale, as current EU institutions have no plans to impose such a ban. The misleading statement gained traction after being shared by approximately 450 individuals on Facebook, where it was suggested that such a prohibition would primarily benefit the state in terms of VAT taxation on alternative heating methods like gas or pellet heating, leaving home owners who rely on their own wood supply without a financial conduit to the state.

The claim emerged prominently in 2023 during discussions concerning the proposed revisions to the Renewable Energy Directive by the European Commission, which stirred some public discourse around energy sources. However, reputable fact-checking organizations like Re:Check have previously clarified the unfounded nature of these allegations. The fear-mongering appears to have been motivated by a misunderstanding of EU policies and initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable energy rather than a direct assault on individual heating choices.

Overall, the spread of misinformation regarding the EU's stance on wood heating highlights the importance of critically assessing information sources and understanding the broader context of policy proposals. It serves as a cautionary tale in the age of social media, where unverified claims can quickly take on a life of their own and create unnecessary panic among the public.