This regulation aims to achieve the energy efficiency targets set by the European Union. As part of its plan, the EU drafted Regulation (EC) 640/2009, which establishes ecodesign requirements for electric motors and variable-speed devices in accordance with Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament. Regulation (EU) 2019/1781, in accordance with the same directive, entered into force in October 2019, repealing the previous regulation.

The EU estimates that Regulation (EC) 640/2009 alone will save 102 TWh of energy by 2030 and that Regulation (EU) 2019/1781 should result in an additional energy saving estimated at 10 TWh per year.

From July 1st, IE3 motors will become virtually the standard. Specifically, three-phase motors with a nominal power (Pn) between 0.75 and 1,000 kW, with 2, 4, 6, or 8 poles, that are not "Ex eb" motors, must be at least IE3 efficient. Furthermore, three-phase motors with a nominal power (Pn) between 0.12 and 0.75 kW, with 2, 4, 6, or 8 poles, that are not "Ex eb" motors, must be at least IE2 efficient.