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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
·
Russian fuels
·
Carbon border adjustment mechanism
·
COP30 Brazil
·
EU climate law
·
EU-US relations
·
Von der Leyen 2 Commission
·
Energy transition
·
Russia
·
Industrial policy
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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.
Teresa Ribera: dreamer or miracle worker? Teresa Ribera: dreamer or miracle worker?
DR
Portrait

Teresa Ribera: dreamer or miracle worker?

Spain’s European commissioner, responsible for competition and the green transition, is described as a force to be reckoned with, finding consensus on even the most divisive issues. In Brussels, Paris and Madrid, Contexte spoke to those with an inside track on the personality overseeing one of the EU’s trickiest quandaries: keeping things fair in the race to sustainability.
European Commission
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
In depth

Von der Leyen, the hyper-president

EU EU taxpayers' lobby files criminal complaint against ex-commissioners over Green Deal NGO funding allegations
EU Every EU member (save Denmark) gets legal warning from Brussels over delays on renewable directive
EU Who’ll hold the purse strings on the EU’s new €450 billion competitiveness fund?
EU·HU Commission takes Hungary to court in dispute over Energy Charter Treaty
EU EU ombudsman probes simplification of corporate sustainability laws, saying Commission failed to justify urgency
EU·PL·CZ Commission ‘wrongly’ fined Poland over Turów mine, says EU court lawyer
Show more
Édition · FR
La couverture des politiques publiques françaises et européennes ayant un impact en France
Découvrez l’Édition FR
Article à la Une
Les points à retenir de la nouvelle tarification de SNCF Réseau Les points à retenir de la nouvelle tarification de SNCF Réseau
© HJBC/iStock

Les points à retenir de la nouvelle tarification de SNCF Réseau

Ferroviaire
Les points à retenir de la nouvelle tarification de SNCF Réseau Les points à retenir de la nouvelle tarification de SNCF Réseau
© HJBC/iStock

Les points à retenir de la nouvelle tarification de SNCF Réseau

Ferroviaire
Les points à retenir de la nouvelle tarification de SNCF Réseau Les points à retenir de la nouvelle tarification de SNCF Réseau
© HJBC/iStock

Les points à retenir de la nouvelle tarification de SNCF Réseau

Sujets à la Une
Ferroviaire Automobile Budget 2026 Agenda parlementaire Biodiversité - Environnement Financement du système de santé
Découvrez l’Édition FR
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
Agenda

Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo

EU Trump says he will sanction Moscow if allies stop buying Russian oil, hike China tariffs
EU Leak – Russian gas ban: New Council redraft no longer sets January 2026 as cutoff date for new contracts
EU·RUS Russian gas ban: first negotiators’ meeting in Parliament shows broad majority backs Commission’s ambition
EU US official: EU must stop buying Russian fuel for Washington to intensify sanctions; EU climate laws ‘threaten’ trade deal
Interview

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

Show more
Von der Leyen 2 Commission
Green potatoes and sneaky push-ups: the EU’s energetic energy commissioner Green potatoes and sneaky push-ups: the EU’s energetic energy commissioner
DA Contexte - photo European Union
Portrait

Green potatoes and sneaky push-ups: the EU’s energetic energy commissioner

Free access
Podcaster, negotiator, good guy; a one-time nuclear sceptic with an ability to reach across the aisle — observers within and outside the Brussels bubble have plenty to say about Dan Jørgensen, the EU executive’s most senior energy official. Contexte takes a closer look at the commissioner tasked with shepherding one of Europe’s most polluting sectors through a highly consequential transition.
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
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

Portrait

Green potatoes and sneaky push-ups: the EU’s energetic energy commissioner
Free access

The EU Competitiveness Fund for dummies

Infographic

The long and winding road to a new EU budget

Interview

Dan Jørgensen announces an energy omnibus: ‘I'm aware this can be seen as controversial’

Scoop

Commissioner Jørgensen promises to simplify EU energy law through sweeping 'omnibus' plan

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Be a Hemicycle Hero Be a Hemicycle Hero
Infographic

Be a Hemicycle Hero

Free access
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

Free access
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

Free access
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

Free access
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

Free access
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

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 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
EU Who’ll hold the purse strings on the EU’s new €450 billion competitiveness fund?
EU Commission can ask countries to raise or lower climate, environment spending under MFF national plans
EU MFF 2028-2034: new Prosperity and Security Fund merges climate and energy programmes

The EU Competitiveness Fund for dummies

EU Commission sets out to track green performance of its budget
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 2040 climate target: EU’s big beasts derail presidency plan for 18 September deal
EU·FR EU diplomats hunt for France’s line on 2040 climate goals, as its government tumbles
EU Leak — Despite opposition, Denmark holds its ground on linking 2040 and 2035 emissions-reduction targets
EU Leak — Lead EPP MEPs want earlier use of carbon offsets for 2040 climate target
EU Leak — New Danish compromise on 2040 target indicates states still split on carbon credits
EU EPP environment lead opposes far-right push to drop 2040 climate target, urges more ambition on interim 2035 goal
Show more
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
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
EU Trump says he will sanction Moscow if allies stop buying Russian oil, hike China tariffs
EU·US US Energy Secretary Chris Wright peddles LNG exports, criticises EU rules before Brussels talks

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

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
FR·DE Low-carbon targets: Paris and Berlin disagree on what they agreed
EU Danish-German interconnector awarded €645.2 million EU grant
EU CAN Europe appoints Seda Orhan as head of energy
EU ‘Slow pace of electrification’ hampers wind expansion in Europe, lobby group says
EU Commission clears purchases of Rezolv Energy, Armorine by Abu Dhabi fund, Trafigura
EU Public, environmental impact consultations can run in parallel, EU court says, ruling against NGO in wind farm dispute
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 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
EU EU ombudsman probes simplification of corporate sustainability laws, saying Commission failed to justify urgency
EU Parliament committees adopt mix of opinions on simplification of EU corporate sustainability laws
EU Leak – EU Parliament’s economy committee draft would scrap climate plans for firms
EU Leak – Draft from Parliament’s environment committee rejects voluntary taxonomy 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 Commission proposes slightly higher nuclear research budget of €6.7bn
EU Commission clears purchases of Rezolv Energy, Armorine by Abu Dhabi fund, Trafigura
Portrait

Teresa Ribera: dreamer or miracle worker?

FR·EU Paris announces deal to settle hydro competition dispute, EDF to open 6GW capacity to market
EU Commission reviews foreign subsidies law, focused on transparency, red tape
EU·SWE Commission greenlights €300m in state aid for ‘strategic’ Swedish electricity reserve
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 MEPs seek to warn Commission on EU-US energy commitments
EU·AT EU General Court rejects Austria’s challenge to green taxonomy, saying nuclear and gas can ‘contribute substantially’ to climate action
EU New gas storage obligations take effect on 11 September, will apply to upcoming filling period
EU·RUS Russian gas ban: first negotiators’ meeting in Parliament shows broad majority backs Commission’s ambition
EU NGOs call on Brussels to halt approval of offshore oil and gas exploration in Greek waters
EU US official: EU must stop buying Russian fuel for Washington to intensify sanctions; EU climate laws ‘threaten’ trade deal
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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