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Banning Russian fuel: The why, the when, the how Banning Russian fuel: The why, the when, the how
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Banning Russian fuel: The why, the when, the how

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Watch the replay of our Contexte Live discussion on the EU’s plan to phase out gas, oil and nuclear imports from Moscow.
Russian fuels
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Russia sanctions
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Nuclear power
Banning Russian fuel: The why, the when, the how Banning Russian fuel: The why, the when, the how
Video

Banning Russian fuel: The why, the when, the how

Free access
Watch the replay of our Contexte Live discussion on the EU’s plan to phase out gas, oil and nuclear imports from Moscow.
Russian fuels
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Russia sanctions
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Nuclear power
read today's briefing
Russian fuels
For and against: Where EU member states stand on the Russian gas ban For and against: Where EU member states stand on the Russian gas ban
Tomas Ragina/iStock
Infographic

For and against: Where EU member states stand on the Russian gas ban

Just over three years after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission, on 17 June, proposed ambitious plans to phase out Russian gas. The European Parliament and Council are rushing to come to an agreement, ahead of a key January 2026 deadline. But the plans don’t affect all member states equally. Some are vocally in favour, while others are entrenched in their opposition. Gas flows, the ability and willingness to find other suppliers, legal risks and politics all play a major role. As talks advance, Contexte looks at the positions of twelve key EU countries, from Hungary to France.
Russian fuels
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Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
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Russia sanctions
For and against: Where EU member states stand on the Russian gas ban For and against: Where EU member states stand on the Russian gas ban
Tomas Ragina/iStock
Infographic

For and against: Where EU member states stand on the Russian gas ban

Just over three years after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission, on 17 June, proposed ambitious plans to phase out Russian gas. The European Parliament and Council are rushing to come to an agreement, ahead of a key January 2026 deadline. But the plans don’t affect all member states equally. Some are vocally in favour, while others are entrenched in their opposition. Gas flows, the ability and willingness to find other suppliers, legal risks and politics all play a major role. As talks advance, Contexte looks at the positions of twelve key EU countries, from Hungary to France.
Russian fuels
EU·RUS Russian gas ban sails through ITRE-INTA vote as centrist bloc rallies round Parliament stance
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Banning Russian fuel: The why, the when, the how
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EU Russia gas ban: Parliament negotiators confident of support ahead of 16 October vote
EU Freeze funding for EU biomethane goal until enviromental impact is known, NGOs say
EU Concerns from France, Italy, Spain over gas ban reporting relate to less than 10% of non-Russian imports, sources say
EU Ban on Russian gas imports advances to ministers’ vote, despite queries from major member states: sources
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Compétitivité et simplification, les principaux griefs à l’origine du recalage de la révision de Reach Compétitivité et simplification, les principaux griefs à l’origine du recalage de la révision de Reach
© Domaine public
Info Contexte

Compétitivité et simplification, les principaux griefs à l’origine du recalage de la révision de Reach

Produits chimiques : la révision de Reach
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Substances chimiques
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Simplification législative et administrative
Compétitivité et simplification, les principaux griefs à l’origine du recalage de la révision de Reach Compétitivité et simplification, les principaux griefs à l’origine du recalage de la révision de Reach
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Compétitivité et simplification, les principaux griefs à l’origine du recalage de la révision de Reach

Produits chimiques : la révision de Reach
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Substances chimiques
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Simplification législative et administrative
Compétitivité et simplification, les principaux griefs à l’origine du recalage de la révision de Reach Compétitivité et simplification, les principaux griefs à l’origine du recalage de la révision de Reach
© Domaine public
Info Contexte

Compétitivité et simplification, les principaux griefs à l’origine du recalage de la révision de Reach

Sujets à la Une
Produits chimiques : la révision de Reach PLFSS Transport maritime Relations commerciales Eau - Environnement Budget 2026
Découvrez l’Édition FR
Energy policy
The Franco-German motor needs some gas (and some nuclear) The Franco-German motor needs some gas (and some nuclear)
Manon Cruz/Pool/AP/SIPA
In depth

The Franco-German motor needs some gas (and some nuclear)

Over the summer, a joint summit of Franco-German leaders suggested they were trying to repair long-standing divisions over the role of nuclear energy. Yet just months after the deal, confusion reigns: Paris boasts about a “historic” agreement in favour of low-carbon energy, while Berlin is walking on eggshells. Political turbulence in Paris, and the need for Germany to gain support for its own gas-powered plans, are only making the situation more complex.
Energy policy
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Nuclear power
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Natural gas
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Fossil fuels
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Renewables
The Franco-German motor needs some gas (and some nuclear) The Franco-German motor needs some gas (and some nuclear)
Manon Cruz/Pool/AP/SIPA
In depth

The Franco-German motor needs some gas (and some nuclear)

Over the summer, a joint summit of Franco-German leaders suggested they were trying to repair long-standing divisions over the role of nuclear energy. Yet just months after the deal, confusion reigns: Paris boasts about a “historic” agreement in favour of low-carbon energy, while Berlin is walking on eggshells. Political turbulence in Paris, and the need for Germany to gain support for its own gas-powered plans, are only making the situation more complex.
Energy policy
EU·SE Åsa Webber becomes Sweden’s deputy ambassador to the EU, again
In depth

The Franco-German motor needs some gas (and some nuclear)

EU Commission considers earlier auctions, tweaking allowance rules to soften ETS2 landing — sources
EU From electrification to renewables, EU must do more to meet energy goals: European Environment Agency
EU Brussels’ subsidy relaxation to lower energy prices is ‘risky’, Bruegel says
ALB EU ‘empire’ encourages Albania to tackle corruption in energy policy as entry talks advance
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Be a Hemicycle Hero Be a Hemicycle Hero
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Be a Hemicycle Hero

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Dominate the blocks and dominate the blocs! Learn more about the EU's elected chamber (and take out your summer frustrations) with Contexte’s parliamentary pinball game.
Be a Hemicycle Hero Be a Hemicycle Hero
Infographic

Be a Hemicycle Hero

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Dominate the blocks and dominate the blocs! Learn more about the EU's elected chamber (and take out your summer frustrations) with Contexte’s parliamentary pinball game.
Climate change
Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo
Darwel/iStock
Agenda

Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo

With the roll-out of the clean industrial deal, new climate targets and ambitious plans to ban Russian fuels, Brussels was just getting started with its new energy roadmap when the US forced its hand, insisting on an exacting trade deal. The European Commission is now likely to spend the next few months trying to get back on track from that Trumpian manoeuvre.
Climate change
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Russian fuels
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Carbon border adjustment mechanism
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COP30 Brazil
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EU climate law
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EU-US relations
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Von der Leyen 2 Commission
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Energy transition
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Russia
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Industrial policy
Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo
Darwel/iStock
Agenda

Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo

With the roll-out of the clean industrial deal, new climate targets and ambitious plans to ban Russian fuels, Brussels was just getting started with its new energy roadmap when the US forced its hand, insisting on an exacting trade deal. The European Commission is now likely to spend the next few months trying to get back on track from that Trumpian manoeuvre.
Climate change
EU Commission unveils new climate and energy diplomatic strategy
EU Finance ministers pledge to find new sources to reach €1.1tn annual COP pledge
EU ENVI’s COP30 resolution clears committee vote
INT COP30: EU ‘disappointed’ in China’s 2035 climate target, yet hasn’t detailed its own
EU EPP’s Lídia Pereira to lead EU Parliament delegation at COP30 conference
EU Leak — Corporate climate plans: Rapporteur blows hot and cold on compromise proposals
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European Commission
Von der Leyen takes the stage, in a climate of gloom Von der Leyen takes the stage, in a climate of gloom
EC - Audiovisual Service - European Union, 2023

Von der Leyen takes the stage, in a climate of gloom

The Commission president’s State of the Union speech usually sets the EU’s political tone for the year ahead; this year’s instalment, due on 10 September, could be in a minor key. It comes as Ursula von der Leyen contends with a string of existential struggles, geopolitical challenges from Washington to Kyiv, cracks in the bloc’s unity, and rising questions about her capacity to lead.
European Commission
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European Parliament
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EU-US relations
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Von der Leyen 2 Commission
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Ukraine war
Von der Leyen takes the stage, in a climate of gloom Von der Leyen takes the stage, in a climate of gloom
EC - Audiovisual Service - European Union, 2023

Von der Leyen takes the stage, in a climate of gloom

The Commission president’s State of the Union speech usually sets the EU’s political tone for the year ahead; this year’s instalment, due on 10 September, could be in a minor key. It comes as Ursula von der Leyen contends with a string of existential struggles, geopolitical challenges from Washington to Kyiv, cracks in the bloc’s unity, and rising questions about her capacity to lead.
European Commission
EU Commission unveils new climate and energy diplomatic strategy
EU Leak — Von der Leyen to address ‘climate and competitiveness’ in letter to leaders ahead of 23 October EU summit
EU Valère Moutarlier to lead work on Industrial Accelerator Act
EU Omnibus push to streamline sustainable supply chain laws is aligned with EU climate goals, Commission says
EU Ahead of State of the Union, 470 NGOs urge EU to end ‘perfect storm of deregulation’

Von der Leyen takes the stage, in a climate of gloom

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How von der Leyen’s omnibuses drive EU lawmaking How von der Leyen’s omnibuses drive EU lawmaking
gremlin/iStock

How von der Leyen’s omnibuses drive EU lawmaking

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You wait ages for an omnibus, then six come along at once. The European Commission’s omnibus simplification programme is becoming a veritable traffic jam, transforming — if not clogging up — the legislative pipes. And there’s more to come: a 22 July consultation hints at the next phase, a review of EU environmental law. Behind the scenes, frustration is mounting among officials and lawmakers alike, who denounce a top-down process that risks undermining years of work — and shifting the balance of power in Brussels.
How von der Leyen’s omnibuses drive EU lawmaking How von der Leyen’s omnibuses drive EU lawmaking
gremlin/iStock

How von der Leyen’s omnibuses drive EU lawmaking

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You wait ages for an omnibus, then six come along at once. The European Commission’s omnibus simplification programme is becoming a veritable traffic jam, transforming — if not clogging up — the legislative pipes. And there’s more to come: a 22 July consultation hints at the next phase, a review of EU environmental law. Behind the scenes, frustration is mounting among officials and lawmakers alike, who denounce a top-down process that risks undermining years of work — and shifting the balance of power in Brussels.
Multiannual financial framework (MFF)
Five things the new EU budget would mean for energy and climate Five things the new EU budget would mean for energy and climate
Jérémie Luciani for Contexte

Five things the new EU budget would mean for energy and climate

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The European Commission has finally unveiled its €2-trillion proposal for the 2028-2034 EU budget — and there’s plenty for energy and climate watchers to dig into. With a fivefold boost in cross-border energy infrastructure spending, 35% of funds earmarked for green priorities, and a notable new role for nuclear, Contexte sets out some key points to take away.
The EU Competitiveness Fund for dummies The EU Competitiveness Fund for dummies
Jérémie Luciani for Contexte

The EU Competitiveness Fund for dummies
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The long and winding road to a new EU budget The long and winding road to a new EU budget
Jérémie Luciani for Contexte
Infographic

The long and winding road to a new EU budget

Multiannual financial framework (MFF)
EU Countries divided over Competitiveness Fund eligibility criteria
EU Capitals call for targeting, EU preference and fair distribution as they debate new €400bn Competitiveness Fund
EU António Costa aims to finalise next EU budget by end-2026
EU Cohesion funding can prioritise energy interconnectors and critical infrastructure under newly finalised law
EU Solar lobbies call for new EU budget fund, warning EU’s panel manufacturing base ‘under existential threat’
EU Multiple parliament committees squabble for ownership of EU’s biggest spending pots
EU Energy and budget MEPs vie for control of €400bn Competitiveness Fund — the lion’s share of next EU budget
EU Lithuania wants EU budget funds to protect critical energy infrastructure after Russian attacks
EU Commission proposes slightly higher nuclear research budget of €6.7bn
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Von der Leyen 2 Commission
Von der Leyen, the hyper-president Von der Leyen, the hyper-president
Jérémie Luciani for Contexte
In depth

Von der Leyen, the hyper-president

Since her reappointment to the helm of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen has continued to tighten her grip on the institution, reshaping it to such a degree that some wonder how much power her fellow commissioners truly hold.
Von der Leyen 2 Commission
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European Commission
Von der Leyen, the hyper-president Von der Leyen, the hyper-president
Jérémie Luciani for Contexte
In depth

Von der Leyen, the hyper-president

Since her reappointment to the helm of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen has continued to tighten her grip on the institution, reshaping it to such a degree that some wonder how much power her fellow commissioners truly hold.
Von der Leyen 2 Commission
EU Commission unveils new climate and energy diplomatic strategy
EU Valère Moutarlier to lead work on Industrial Accelerator Act
EU Omnibus push to streamline sustainable supply chain laws is aligned with EU climate goals, Commission says
Agenda

Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo

Von der Leyen takes the stage, in a climate of gloom

EU Commission’s ‘large-scale’ revamp to kick-off in autumn
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Renewables
Who’s ahead, who’s behind: EU member states’ progress on renewables Who’s ahead, who’s behind: EU member states’ progress on renewables
Jérémie Luciani for Contexte
Infographic

Who’s ahead, who’s behind: EU member states’ progress on renewables

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With the exception of three laggards – Belgium, Estonia and Poland – all EU members have now submitted plans setting out how they will contribute to the EU’s 2030 energy and climate targets. The European Commission is expected to publish its review of them within weeks. Contexte offers a sneak peek into how the bloc’s biggest energy consumers are faring in the race to decarbonise, cut greenhouse emissions and future-proof their energy sectors.
Renewables
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Nuclear power
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Biomass
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Greenhouse gases
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Electricity
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Natural gas
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Russian fuels
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Low-carbon hydrogen
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Hydrogen
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Climate change
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Solar power
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Biofuels
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Fossil fuels
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CO2 emissions
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Climate adaptation
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Emissions reduction
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Energy consumption
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Energy policy
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Heating and cooling
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Wind energy
Who’s ahead, who’s behind: EU member states’ progress on renewables Who’s ahead, who’s behind: EU member states’ progress on renewables
Jérémie Luciani for Contexte
Infographic

Who’s ahead, who’s behind: EU member states’ progress on renewables

Free access
With the exception of three laggards – Belgium, Estonia and Poland – all EU members have now submitted plans setting out how they will contribute to the EU’s 2030 energy and climate targets. The European Commission is expected to publish its review of them within weeks. Contexte offers a sneak peek into how the bloc’s biggest energy consumers are faring in the race to decarbonise, cut greenhouse emissions and future-proof their energy sectors.
Renewables
EU Leak — Don’t delay update to grid connection codes, EU TSOs tell Commission as demand rises
EU Leak — Energy omnibus due in third quarter of next year, Commission draft work programme says
EU·UK Industry groups call for CBAM pause pending EU-UK carbon market link-up
EU Commission decision to take legal action against Sweden over permitting rules is ‘long overdue signal,’ renewables lobby says
EU EU wind turbine imports jump, bloc spends €14.6bn on green energy in 2024
EU Commission seeks to fine Sweden over failure to apply faster renewable-permitting rules
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2040 climate target
Russia’s curious WTO challenge questions the climate credentials of a flagship EU policy Russia’s curious WTO challenge questions the climate credentials of a flagship EU policy
studiocasper/iStock

Russia’s curious WTO challenge questions the climate credentials of a flagship EU policy

Russia — despite, for some, being an unlikely champion of the rules-based international order — has challenged the EU’s carbon border levy, CBAM, at the World Trade Organization. In the wake of the Ukraine war, Brussels has imposed repeated rounds of sanctions on Russia, dulling the impact of any retaliatory tariffs Moscow might apply. But there’s still a healthy — and in some cases growing — trade in CBAM-affected goods, such as steel. Some wonder if Moscow also sees a chance to poke a finger in the EU’s eye, upending its claim to global climate leadership.
2040 climate target
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Emissions trading system (ETS)
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Russia sanctions
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Carbon border adjustment mechanism
Russia’s curious WTO challenge questions the climate credentials of a flagship EU policy Russia’s curious WTO challenge questions the climate credentials of a flagship EU policy
studiocasper/iStock

Russia’s curious WTO challenge questions the climate credentials of a flagship EU policy

Russia — despite, for some, being an unlikely champion of the rules-based international order — has challenged the EU’s carbon border levy, CBAM, at the World Trade Organization. In the wake of the Ukraine war, Brussels has imposed repeated rounds of sanctions on Russia, dulling the impact of any retaliatory tariffs Moscow might apply. But there’s still a healthy — and in some cases growing — trade in CBAM-affected goods, such as steel. Some wonder if Moscow also sees a chance to poke a finger in the EU’s eye, upending its claim to global climate leadership.
2040 climate target
EU Leak — Von der Leyen to address ‘climate and competitiveness’ in letter to leaders ahead of 23 October EU summit
EU 2040 climate target: Parliament’s lead committee will also delay vote, at EPP request
EU EP’s transport committee postpones 2040 target vote again after EPP push
EU Transport MEPs prepare vote on 2040 target compromise as EPP holds back
EU 2040 target: Copenhagen sandwiches 4 November Environment Council between EU, UN summits
EU Summit chair Costa indicates cautious approach to leaders’ talks on 2040 target
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EU-US relations
Five open questions about the EU-US energy deal Five open questions about the EU-US energy deal
Christoph Burgstedt/iStock

Five open questions about the EU-US energy deal

While both parties tout their recent trade deal, experts and officials are looking for answers on everything that Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Trump’s deal does not say. Many uncertainties remain — not least behind the $750 billion of US energy purchases that Brussels put on the table.
EU-US relations
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Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
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Fossil fuels
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Nuclear power
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Energy policy
Five open questions about the EU-US energy deal Five open questions about the EU-US energy deal
Christoph Burgstedt/iStock

Five open questions about the EU-US energy deal

While both parties tout their recent trade deal, experts and officials are looking for answers on everything that Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Trump’s deal does not say. Many uncertainties remain — not least behind the $750 billion of US energy purchases that Brussels put on the table.
EU-US relations
EU Supply chain omnibus: US bears down on climate transition plans that risk ‘complicating’ trade talks with Brussels
EU·US MEPs denounce EU-US energy commitments in cross-party letter to von der Leyen
EU EU pipeline gas imports fell 9% year on year in first half of 2025 in ‘structural decline’, think tank says
EU EU rules creating ‘significant barriers’ to transatlantic energy trade, Eurogas warns
Agenda

Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo

EU MEPs seek to warn Commission on EU-US energy commitments
Show more
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
Hop on board the supply chain omnibus: Brussels’ push to simplify corporate sustainability rules Hop on board the supply chain omnibus: Brussels’ push to simplify corporate sustainability rules
THEPALMER/iStock
Survival kit

Hop on board the supply chain omnibus: Brussels’ push to simplify corporate sustainability rules

Negotiations on the European Commission’s proposal to simplify twin directives intended to encourage more responsible business practices are fast turning into a bidding war. As EU capitals and MEPs debate everything from climate plans and company size thresholds to legal liability and fines for wrongdoers, the simplification is getting remarkably complicated. Contexte takes a step back to help you understand where these directives are heading.
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
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Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
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Sustainable finance
Hop on board the supply chain omnibus: Brussels’ push to simplify corporate sustainability rules Hop on board the supply chain omnibus: Brussels’ push to simplify corporate sustainability rules
THEPALMER/iStock
Survival kit

Hop on board the supply chain omnibus: Brussels’ push to simplify corporate sustainability rules

Negotiations on the European Commission’s proposal to simplify twin directives intended to encourage more responsible business practices are fast turning into a bidding war. As EU capitals and MEPs debate everything from climate plans and company size thresholds to legal liability and fines for wrongdoers, the simplification is getting remarkably complicated. Contexte takes a step back to help you understand where these directives are heading.
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
EU JURI adopts deal on sustainable supply chain omnibus, attempts to jump-start trilogues hinging on plenary
EU Supply chain omnibus: S&D negotiator quits as talks turn tense
EU Leak — Corporate sustainability: Centrist MEPs’ compromise aligns thresholds with Council
EU Supply chain omnibus: US bears down on climate transition plans that risk ‘complicating’ trade talks with Brussels
EU Due diligence: Renew welcomes centrist deal after EPP flirts with far-right alliance
EU Corporate sustainability: MEPs converge on two options, for the right and the centre
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Competition - Energy
The EU’s clean industrial subsidy framework leaves room for gas The EU’s clean industrial subsidy framework leaves room for gas
Wirestock/iStock

The EU’s clean industrial subsidy framework leaves room for gas

The European Commission released its highly anticipated subsidy framework on 25 June, setting out how EU state aid can be dished out for the next five years. The clean industrial state aid framework, a key plank of decarbonisation goals, covers everything from nuclear, to clean technology manufacturing, to de-risking private investments in energy infrastructure. Perhaps most controversially, it allows public subsidies to go to a fossil fuel, albeit setting a 2040 phase-out date.
Competition - Energy
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Natural gas
The EU’s clean industrial subsidy framework leaves room for gas The EU’s clean industrial subsidy framework leaves room for gas
Wirestock/iStock

The EU’s clean industrial subsidy framework leaves room for gas

The European Commission released its highly anticipated subsidy framework on 25 June, setting out how EU state aid can be dished out for the next five years. The clean industrial state aid framework, a key plank of decarbonisation goals, covers everything from nuclear, to clean technology manufacturing, to de-risking private investments in energy infrastructure. Perhaps most controversially, it allows public subsidies to go to a fossil fuel, albeit setting a 2040 phase-out date.
Competition - Energy
EU·AT Commission greenlights Austria’s renewed state aid for electricity supply security
EU Leak — Paris sets out its conditions for agreeing a 2040 climate target: CBAM, public procurement and competitiveness
PT Commission approves €100m hike to Portuguese compensation system for CO₂ price of electricity
EU Brussels’ subsidy relaxation to lower energy prices is ‘risky’, Bruegel says
EU·DE Commission approves €7.9 billion budget increase for German biomass and biogas support
EU Commission proposes slightly higher nuclear research budget of €6.7bn
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EU
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