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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.
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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
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
INT Big banks invest twice as much in fossil fuels than in ‘sustainable’ alternatives, NGO report says
INT Governments’ fossil fuel production plans more than double the Paris Agreement cap, report says
EU EU countries split over how to share emissions reduction under future climate framework
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Édition · FR
La couverture des politiques publiques françaises et européennes ayant un impact en France
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Article à la Une
Avenir du modèle autoroutier : du brouillard autour des premiers arbitrages Avenir du modèle autoroutier : du brouillard autour des premiers arbitrages
© imaginima/iStock

Avenir du modèle autoroutier : du brouillard autour des premiers arbitrages

Autoroutes
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Conférence de financement des mobilités
Avenir du modèle autoroutier : du brouillard autour des premiers arbitrages Avenir du modèle autoroutier : du brouillard autour des premiers arbitrages
© imaginima/iStock

Avenir du modèle autoroutier : du brouillard autour des premiers arbitrages

Autoroutes
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Conférence de financement des mobilités
Avenir du modèle autoroutier : du brouillard autour des premiers arbitrages Avenir du modèle autoroutier : du brouillard autour des premiers arbitrages
© imaginima/iStock

Avenir du modèle autoroutier : du brouillard autour des premiers arbitrages

Sujets à la Une
Autoroutes Elections chambres Eau - Environnement Budget 2026 Médicament Commission (2024-2029)
Découvrez l’Édition FR
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 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

EU Commission’s ‘large-scale’ revamp to kick-off in autumn
Portrait

Teresa Ribera: dreamer or miracle worker?

EU DG ENER shake-up — new chief economist, energy efficiency head: sources
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Russian fuels
US no alternative to Hungary’s Russian gas dependence, official says US no alternative to Hungary’s Russian gas dependence, official says
European Union
Interview

US no alternative to Hungary’s Russian gas dependence, official says

Hungary, a major importer of Russian fuels, has been a thorn in the side of Brussels’ plan to phase out gas imports. Attila Steiner, State Secretary in the Budapest energy ministry, told Contexte it was too early for his country to commit to a phase-out date for Russian gas — and described Ukraine’s strike on the Druzhba oil pipeline as an intolerable attack on ‘critical infrastructure’ A pledge to buy more US gas, made as part of the EU’s recent deal with President Donald Trump, isn’t a workable alternative, he said.
Russian fuels
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EU-US relations
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Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
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Natural gas
US no alternative to Hungary’s Russian gas dependence, official says US no alternative to Hungary’s Russian gas dependence, official says
European Union
Interview

US no alternative to Hungary’s Russian gas dependence, official says

Hungary, a major importer of Russian fuels, has been a thorn in the side of Brussels’ plan to phase out gas imports. Attila Steiner, State Secretary in the Budapest energy ministry, told Contexte it was too early for his country to commit to a phase-out date for Russian gas — and described Ukraine’s strike on the Druzhba oil pipeline as an intolerable attack on ‘critical infrastructure’ A pledge to buy more US gas, made as part of the EU’s recent deal with President Donald Trump, isn’t a workable alternative, he said.
Russian fuels
EU Leak — MEPs’ compromise on Russian oil, gas removes possibility of suspending import ban
EU Council optimism builds over Russian gas ban as Danish Presidency pushes for ministerial deal by 20 October
EU Parliament negotiators strike deal to ban Russian oil imports by 2026, hasten gas phase-out
EU·RU Russian state receives more than $6.4 billion in taxes from LNG deals with European companies since 2022, Greenpeace says
EU Banning Russian fuel: the why, the when, the how — come and discuss with our journalists, 11am, 16 October
EU In non-binding opinion, IMCO MEPs strongly back 2027 ban on Russian gas and oil imports
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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 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
EU National energy experts can join Council negotiations on EU competitiveness fund, sources say
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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 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
Portrait

Teresa Ribera: dreamer or miracle worker?

In depth

Von der Leyen, the hyper-president

Show more
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 EU Parliament eyes week of 13 October for first votes on 2040 target, but it may change
EU Leak — Paris sets out its conditions for agreeing a 2040 climate target: CBAM, public procurement and competitiveness
EU EPP rethinking plans on 2040 climate target due to Council ‘delays’
EU·INT As members squabble, von der Leyen pledges to ‘stay the course’ on climate, submit 2035 goal for COP30
EU EPP proposes 20 October for vote on 2040 climate target — but it may slide further
EU ITRE follows ENVI and postpones vote on 2040 target as S&D changes tack
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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·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
EU EU can fulfil $750bn pledge with ‘nuclear renaissance,’ replacing Russian fossil fuels, US energy secretary says
Show more
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
ES Surging wind, solar helped keep Spanish wholesale electricity prices 32% below European average, says think tank
EU Omnibus vs stability: Letters reveal industry split on whether to change green hydrogen rules
EU Domestic production, imports supply only 60% of green hydrogen demand EU law requires for 2030, says Hydrogen Europe
EU From electrification to renewables, EU must do more to meet energy goals: European Environment Agency
EU ACER updates transmission right allocation rules to account for renewables
EU Energy sector sets out wish list for new environment omnibus: permits, methane, taxonomy
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 Corporate sustainability: MEPs converge on two options, for the right and the centre
EU Leak — Corporate climate plans: Rapporteur blows hot and cold on compromise proposals
EU Leak — Draft parliamentary proposal reinstates mandatory taxonomy reporting, scraps climate plans for firms
EU Omnibus push to streamline sustainable supply chain laws is aligned with EU climate goals, Commission says
EU ECB’s Lagarde warns MEPs against weakening corporate sustainability laws
EU·US Joint declaration confirms EU intention to buy $750bn of US energy — and soften carbon border levy, corporate reporting
Show more
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 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
EU Commission clears purchases of Rezolv Energy, Armorine by Abu Dhabi fund, Trafigura
Show more
EU
Natural gas
EU to phase out Russian gas contracts in three stages, sources say EU to phase out Russian gas contracts in three stages, sources say
European Union

EU to phase out Russian gas contracts in three stages, sources say

Signing new Russian gas contracts and providing long-term services to Russian entities from EU LNG terminals will be prohibited from 1 January 2026 under proposed trade measures, Contexte has learned from several sources familiar with the matter. Short‑term contracts may remain in force until mid‑2026, and long‑term agreements until 1 January 2028. Hungary and Slovakia have signalled they will strongly oppose the regulation.
Natural gas
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Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
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Russian fuels
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Fossil fuels
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Energy security
EU to phase out Russian gas contracts in three stages, sources say EU to phase out Russian gas contracts in three stages, sources say
European Union

EU to phase out Russian gas contracts in three stages, sources say

Signing new Russian gas contracts and providing long-term services to Russian entities from EU LNG terminals will be prohibited from 1 January 2026 under proposed trade measures, Contexte has learned from several sources familiar with the matter. Short‑term contracts may remain in force until mid‑2026, and long‑term agreements until 1 January 2028. Hungary and Slovakia have signalled they will strongly oppose the regulation.
Natural gas
EU Leak — MEPs’ compromise on Russian oil, gas removes possibility of suspending import ban
EU Council optimism builds over Russian gas ban as Danish Presidency pushes for ministerial deal by 20 October
EU Parliament negotiators strike deal to ban Russian oil imports by 2026, hasten gas phase-out
EU Gas grid association begins gathering projects for 2026 ten-year network plan
EU·RU Russian state receives more than $6.4 billion in taxes from LNG deals with European companies since 2022, Greenpeace says
EU In non-binding opinion, IMCO MEPs strongly back 2027 ban on Russian gas and oil imports
Show more
Who’s who

The EU Commission cabinet staff to watch on energy issues

Who are the key personnel steering climate and energy policy in Brussels’ corridors of power? Behind each top official at the European Commission sits a host of cabinet staff, supporting Commissioners in their daily work. From heads of cabinet to expert advisors, this directory gathers staff from the private offices of Commissioners most focused on energy-related issues.
Who’s who

The EU Commission cabinet staff to watch on energy issues

Who are the key personnel steering climate and energy policy in Brussels’ corridors of power? Behind each top official at the European Commission sits a host of cabinet staff, supporting Commissioners in their daily work. From heads of cabinet to expert advisors, this directory gathers staff from the private offices of Commissioners most focused on energy-related issues.
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