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Countries’ deal on 2040 target risks turning into a Pyrrhic victory on climate Countries’ deal on 2040 target risks turning into a Pyrrhic victory on climate
Dane Mark/iStock

Countries’ deal on 2040 target risks turning into a Pyrrhic victory on climate

After months of suspense, EU member states finally agreed to back a 2040 target to deliver a 90% cut in the bloc’s net emissions from 1990 levels. On the surface, the deal sticks closely to the Commission’s original plans, but the fine print includes numerous tweaks to cushion the impacts of climate action on EU competitiveness — so much so that questions now abound on whether the freshly inked deal can deliver or whether it might send Europe’s wider climate agenda into a tailspin.
2040 climate target
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EU climate law
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COP30 Brazil
Countries’ deal on 2040 target risks turning into a Pyrrhic victory on climate Countries’ deal on 2040 target risks turning into a Pyrrhic victory on climate
Dane Mark/iStock

Countries’ deal on 2040 target risks turning into a Pyrrhic victory on climate

After months of suspense, EU member states finally agreed to back a 2040 target to deliver a 90% cut in the bloc’s net emissions from 1990 levels. On the surface, the deal sticks closely to the Commission’s original plans, but the fine print includes numerous tweaks to cushion the impacts of climate action on EU competitiveness — so much so that questions now abound on whether the freshly inked deal can deliver or whether it might send Europe’s wider climate agenda into a tailspin.
2040 climate target
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EU climate law
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COP30 Brazil
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Who’s who in EU energy policy Who’s who in EU energy policy
Illustration Jérémie Luciani
Infographic

Who’s who in EU energy policy

Who shapes EU legislation on energy and climate issues? From those who make the law to those who support, inform or influence it, Contexte has mapped out over 75 key players in Brussels’ dense energy and climate ecosystem.
Who’s who in EU energy policy Who’s who in EU energy policy
Illustration Jérémie Luciani
Infographic

Who’s who in EU energy policy

Who shapes EU legislation on energy and climate issues? From those who make the law to those who support, inform or influence it, Contexte has mapped out over 75 key players in Brussels’ dense energy and climate ecosystem.
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Article à la Une
Les modalités du versement nucléaire universel fixées par le gouvernement Les modalités du versement nucléaire universel fixées par le gouvernement
Info Contexte

Les modalités du versement nucléaire universel fixées par le gouvernement

Électricité
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Nucléaire
Les modalités du versement nucléaire universel fixées par le gouvernement Les modalités du versement nucléaire universel fixées par le gouvernement
Info Contexte

Les modalités du versement nucléaire universel fixées par le gouvernement

Électricité
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Nucléaire
Les modalités du versement nucléaire universel fixées par le gouvernement Les modalités du versement nucléaire universel fixées par le gouvernement
Info Contexte

Les modalités du versement nucléaire universel fixées par le gouvernement

Sujets à la Une
Électricité Le RGPD Commission (2024-2029) COP30 Financement des infrastructures Objectif climatique 2040
Découvrez l’Édition FR
2040 climate target
Nine things that have changed since the 2015 Paris climate agreement Nine things that have changed since the 2015 Paris climate agreement
Ekvals/iStock

Nine things that have changed since the 2015 Paris climate agreement

Trillions have flowed into clean investment — yet fossil fuels still reign supreme. As preparations begin for the COP30 UN climate summit, Contexte examines the shifting global picture since the landmark global accord was signed ten years ago.
Brussels fights to save its 2040 climate targets, as capitals push back Brussels fights to save its 2040 climate targets, as capitals push back
Bombaert/iStock

Brussels fights to save its 2040 climate targets, as capitals push back

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First seen as a mere staging post on the path to climate neutrality, the EU’s objective to legislate for 90% emissions cuts by 2040 has now become a major political headache. Pushback from member states has forced the European Commission to offer reassurances on topics from cars to forestry — but lofty climate ambitions limit Brussels’ wiggle room. If a 23 October summit discussion on climate goals spills over, some warn it could prove messy — and divisive.
2040 climate target
EU Leak — MEPs’ compromise deal on 2040 target aligns with member states, delaying ETS2 and expanding international credits
EU In Parliament, energy committee opinion backs 90% emissions cut for 2040
EU EU’s COP30 climate target range agreed by ministers

Countries’ deal on 2040 target risks turning into a Pyrrhic victory on climate

EU Document – member states postpone ETS2, boost international credits in 2040 climate target deal
EU 2040 climate target: Still no formal decision from member states after all-night talks

Nine things that have changed since the 2015 Paris climate agreement

CZ Incoming Czech coalition seeks to shake up EU Green Deal, carbon market
EU 2040 climate target can be adjusted if forest sinks underperform, Danish draft says
EU 2040 climate target: Ministers may give international carbon credits an increased role, sources say
EU Leak — Eleventh-hour Council draft still leaves 2035 emissions target blank
EU·FR Leak — France calls for ‘emergency brake’ to reduce 2040 climate ambitions if forest absorption fails
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Russian fuels
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

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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.
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

Russian gas ban: What MEPs and member states agree on, and what they don’t Russian gas ban: What MEPs and member states agree on, and what they don’t
Source: Erhui1979/iStock

Russian gas ban: What MEPs and member states agree on, and what they don’t

Russian fuels
EU·RUS Leak — First Russian gas ban trilogue to focus on phase-out dates, emergency brake, oil ban
HU Hungary could buy US nuclear fuel as of 2028, minister says
EU·RUS Russian gas ban: Gas lobby calls for removal of EU inspection powers for supply contracts, as final legislative talks begin
EU In light of US sanctions, Lukoil to sell international assets to Gunvor
EU·RUS EU oil supply not at risk after US sanctions on Russia’s Lukoil, Commission says
EU After latest Western sanctions round, attention turns to EU’s Lukoil loophole

Russian gas ban: What MEPs and member states agree on, and what they don’t

EU EU leaders at Brussels summit set to agree on new sanctions on Russian LNG from 2027: sources
EU·RUS Russian gas ban trilogues to begin on 6 November: sources
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Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
Corporate sustainability: von der Leyen’s majority collides with a coalition of opposites Corporate sustainability: von der Leyen’s majority collides with a coalition of opposites
© European Union 2025 - Source : EP

Corporate sustainability: von der Leyen’s majority collides with a coalition of opposites

A fragile deal to reform corporate supply chain laws has been upended by a knife-edge vote in the European Parliament on 22 October. An uneasy coalition of the chamber’s left wing, which thinks the simplification measures go too far, made common cause with the extreme right, which thinks they don’t go far enough, to oppose the deal agreed by centrists about a week ago. The issue will be put to a further vote on 13 November. In the meantime, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s red-tape-cutting plan has an uncertain fate, and the centrist coalition that voted her into office has suffered another blow.
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
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Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
Corporate sustainability: von der Leyen’s majority collides with a coalition of opposites Corporate sustainability: von der Leyen’s majority collides with a coalition of opposites
© European Union 2025 - Source : EP

Corporate sustainability: von der Leyen’s majority collides with a coalition of opposites

A fragile deal to reform corporate supply chain laws has been upended by a knife-edge vote in the European Parliament on 22 October. An uneasy coalition of the chamber’s left wing, which thinks the simplification measures go too far, made common cause with the extreme right, which thinks they don’t go far enough, to oppose the deal agreed by centrists about a week ago. The issue will be put to a further vote on 13 November. In the meantime, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s red-tape-cutting plan has an uncertain fate, and the centrist coalition that voted her into office has suffered another blow.
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
EU S&D blames EPP over supply chain omnibus vote standstill
EU MEPs propose nearly 300 changes to supply chain omnibus
EU EPP rapporteur edges towards far-right stance in amendments to supply chain omnibus
EU·US US attorneys-general urge Meta to ‘reject’ new EU sustainable supply chain rules
EU EU’s CS3D contains ‘direct energy security risks’, US, Qatar energy ministers say

Corporate sustainability: von der Leyen’s majority collides with a coalition of opposites

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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)

Free access
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)

Free access
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
CZ Incoming Czech coalition seeks to shake up EU Green Deal, carbon market
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)
Free access

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
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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.
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.
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.
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 EU could miss 2030 climate target by 8 percentage points if current policies don’t change, Commission says
EU·INT National climate commitments leave world exposed to ‘serious escalation’ of climate risks: UN report

Nine things that have changed since the 2015 Paris climate agreement

EU Correction: Climate inaction could cost EU €5.6 trillion by 2050, study says
EU Climate inaction could cost EU €5.6tn by 2050, study says
NOR·INT Norway’s gas exploration licences didn’t breach human rights, Strasbourg court says
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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 Leak — Danish presidency tweaks Connecting Europe Facility plan
EU EPP’s Christian Ehler and S&D’s Dan Nica named co-rapporteurs on the Competitiveness Fund for ITRE committee
EU Over 800 groups tell Commission LIFE environment, climate fund should remain separate envelope
EU Centrists in energy committee carve up work on EU budget — prompting right-wing fury
EU Parliament’s ITRE committee to lead work on the €400-billion Competitiveness Fund
EU Leak — Danish EU budget draft puts 35% earmark on climate, environment up for debate
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
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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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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

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
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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
NL·EU Commission approves updated €50-billion Dutch emissions-cutting subsidy programme
INT Offshore wind capacity could triple by 2030 thanks to national ambitions: Ember report
EU Green transition ‘pushback’ hindering switch to cheaper green energy: ECB chief
EU·DE German energy minister makes second guest appearance at nuclear alliance meeting
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
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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
EL·US US Energy Secretary Chris Wright praises Greece for new offshore gas exploration deal with ExxonMobil
EU In light of US sanctions, Lukoil to sell international assets to Gunvor
EU·RUS EU oil supply not at risk after US sanctions on Russia’s Lukoil, Commission says

Russian gas ban: What MEPs and member states agree on, and what they don’t

EU EU’s CS3D contains ‘direct energy security risks’, US, Qatar energy ministers say
EU Supply chain omnibus: US bears down on climate transition plans that risk ‘complicating’ trade talks with Brussels
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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
NL·EU Commission approves updated €50-billion Dutch emissions-cutting subsidy programme
EE·EU Commission approves €750-million Estonian strategic reserve to support security of electricity supply
EU·DE Commission ‘assisting’ Germany to develop state aid subsidy scheme for new gas plants
EU State aid: Commission clears €61.5-million Italian programme for clean tech manufacturing
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
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