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Be a Hemicycle Hero

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

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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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

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

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

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

EU·CN China, EU agree to submit their 2035 climate targets ahead of COP30
EU 2040 climate target: ECR names lead MEP, completing Parliament's negotiating team
EU Leak: Parliament’s far-right rapporteur proposes rejecting Commission’s ‘unrealistic’ 2040 climate target
EU 2040 climate target: Visegrad group looks for wiggle room on 90% reduction goal
EU Weeks after its legal proposal, Commission consults on 2040 climate target
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Édition · FR
La couverture des politiques publiques françaises et européennes ayant un impact en France
Découvrez l’Édition FR
Article à la Une
Jouez à Casse-Bourbon et débloquez tous les bonus Jouez à Casse-Bourbon et débloquez tous les bonus
Infographie

Jouez à Casse-Bourbon et débloquez tous les bonus

Jouez à Casse-Bourbon et débloquez tous les bonus Jouez à Casse-Bourbon et débloquez tous les bonus
Infographie

Jouez à Casse-Bourbon et débloquez tous les bonus

Jouez à Casse-Bourbon et débloquez tous les bonus Jouez à Casse-Bourbon et débloquez tous les bonus
Infographie

Jouez à Casse-Bourbon et débloquez tous les bonus

Sujets à la Une
Relations UE/Russie Traité plastiques Commerce international Politique commerciale Gouvernance de la santé Simplification législative et administrative
Découvrez l’Édition FR
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 US reactors will be main nuclear imports under transatlantic trade deal, Commission confirms

Five open questions about the EU-US energy deal

EU·US Brussels races to finalise technical aspects of US trade deal this week — but uncertainties loom
EU·US Brussels’ US energy pledges raise scepticism among experts
EU·US EU pledge to import $750bn of US energy goods is ‘firm’ but not legally binding, officials say
EU·US Brussels promises ‘significant purchases’ of US energy in $750 billion deal
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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

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

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

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 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
EU New nuclear plants could get EU funding under the next multiannual financial framework

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

EU After a painful delivery, the Commission’s €2-trillion budget proposal is born
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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
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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 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
Survival kit

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

EU Leak – Right and far-right amendments seek to suppress corporate climate transition plans
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Russian fuels
EU Russian gas ban: political impetus hits legal reality EU Russian gas ban: political impetus hits legal reality
Tomas Ragina/iStock
In depth

EU Russian gas ban: political impetus hits legal reality

On 17 June, the European Commission proposed its boldest move yet to cut ties with Russian gas: a complete import ban by 2028. But behind the strong political message lie serious legal and financial risks, with billions in compensation potentially at stake and arbitration cases looming.
Russian gas ban: Danish energy minister pursues autumn Council deal Russian gas ban: Danish energy minister pursues autumn Council deal
European Union, 2025
Interview

Russian gas ban: Danish energy minister pursues autumn Council deal

How the EU ban on Russian gas imports will work How the EU ban on Russian gas imports will work
Anton Zubchevskyi/iStock
In depth

How the EU ban on Russian gas imports will work

Russian fuels
EU Leak: 400 MEP amendments on the Russian gas ban
EU EU bars Russian, Belarusian hydrogen from support mechanism
EU Hungary ‘moving forward’ with new oil pipeline for Russia-dependent Serbia — despite EU ban, sanctions
EU Russian gas ban: MEPs push for faster phase-out as amendment deadline expires
EU Leak – Member states have until 22  August to comment on Russian gas ban regulation
EU·RUS Russian gas ban: deadline for amendments pushed back to close of play on 22 July after IT crash
EU·RUS In new sanctions package, EU agrees to lower oil price cap — without the G7
EU Commission proposes new gas risk groups, replacing eastern supplies by LNG
EU Russian gas: centrist MEP negotiators back earlier ban deadline of 1 January 2027
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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·SWE Commission greenlights €300m in state aid for ‘strategic’ Swedish electricity reserve
EU·NL Commission approves acquisition of green hydrogen producer Dyhve by DIF, Virya
EU Commission opens in-depth investigation into acquisition of German chemicals producer by Abu Dhabi state oil firm
EU Commission details how it might address 'unduly advantageous' foreign subsidies
EU Commission approves joint acquisition of Greenlink interconnector by Equitix, Baltic Cable
CZ EDF drops legal challenge over €16.5bn Czech nuclear tender
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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 New EU rules setting CO₂ storage obligations for big oil, gas producers come into force
EU Leak: 400 MEP amendments on the Russian gas ban
EU Russian gas ban: MEPs push for faster phase-out as amendment deadline expires
EU EU gas imports rose by nearly 10% in Q2 compared to previous year, ACER says
EU Member states formally back new gas storage rules, paving the way for entry into force
EU Leak – Member states have until 22  August to comment on Russian gas ban regulation
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.
Nuclear power
Divisive no longer? NuclearEurope pushes for a bigger role in Brussels Divisive no longer? NuclearEurope pushes for a bigger role in Brussels
JÉRÉMIE LUCIANI-CONTEXTE

Divisive no longer? NuclearEurope pushes for a bigger role in Brussels

Long confined to the margins of EU energy policy, the nuclear industry is trying to find its voice in Brussels. Trade association NuclearEurope is under pressure from its members to raise its profile, modernise its lobbying, and step out of France’s shadow — but overcoming scepticism remains an uphill battle.
Dukovany: How a Czech nuclear plant sparked a diplomatic incident Dukovany: How a Czech nuclear plant sparked a diplomatic incident
Artush/iStock

Dukovany: How a Czech nuclear plant sparked a diplomatic incident

A multi-billion-euro deal to build two nuclear reactors in southern Czechia, frozen by a Brno court after South Korea’s KHNP outbid EDF, is having significant political consequences. Czech ministers have accused the French state-owned energy company of meddling in their domestic politics in an election year; the involvement as an EU arbiter of Stéphane Séjourné, France’s commissioner in Brussels, has obliged him to deny accusations of national bias. The prospect of an escalating row with Prague has led even some officials in Paris to think the affair might have gone too far, and that EDF might end up being asked to rein itself in.
Nuclear power
EU·US US reactors will be main nuclear imports under transatlantic trade deal, Commission confirms

Five open questions about the EU-US energy deal

EU·RUS Russia cannot be removed from ITER, Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen says
EU MFF 2028-2034: new Prosperity and Security Fund merges climate and energy programmes
EU New nuclear plants could get EU funding under the next multiannual financial framework

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

PL·EU Poland seeks European Commission approval for nuclear project
EU Leak – Draft list of activities for next EU budget includes nuclear
EU Commission defines low-carbon hydrogen, adjusts default emissions for ‘blue hydrogen’
EU Leak - Renewables, nuclear, energy efficiency could benefit from future EU competitiveness fund
EU Legislation to define low-carbon hydrogen expected 8 July; nuclear methodology by end-2026
EU·RUS EU prepares to join new nuclear R&D international framework excluding Russia
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Ukraine war
Why energy infrastructure matters for Ukraine’s war, and its peace Why energy infrastructure matters for Ukraine’s war, and its peace
Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform/SIPA

Why energy infrastructure matters for Ukraine’s war, and its peace

Ukraine’s energy network, which includes Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant and largest gas storage system, has played a significant role since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. With major assets destroyed or captured, tens of billions in investment needed, and outsiders seeking access to lucrative oil and critical minerals, it could end up key to the country’s future.
Ukraine war
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Russia
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Russian fuels
Why energy infrastructure matters for Ukraine’s war, and its peace Why energy infrastructure matters for Ukraine’s war, and its peace
Dmytro Smolienko/Ukrinform/SIPA

Why energy infrastructure matters for Ukraine’s war, and its peace

Ukraine’s energy network, which includes Europe’s biggest nuclear power plant and largest gas storage system, has played a significant role since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022. With major assets destroyed or captured, tens of billions in investment needed, and outsiders seeking access to lucrative oil and critical minerals, it could end up key to the country’s future.
Ukraine war

Why energy infrastructure matters for Ukraine’s war, and its peace

RUS·HU·SK Hungary and Slovakia have made ‘little effort’ to stop importing Russian energy since 2022 Ukraine invasion, study says
UKR·US US reaches deal with Ukraine on access to minerals, oil and gas
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EU climate law
Fit for 54: EU says it’s on track for 2030 climate target Fit for 54: EU says it’s on track for 2030 climate target
EUROPEAN UNION 2025

Fit for 54: EU says it’s on track for 2030 climate target

The European Commission’s analysis of National Energy and Climate Plans puts the bloc within a whisker of its goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. The figures are an improvement on a previous December 2023 assessment — but the rosy headline masks significant shortfalls in areas such as transport, buildings and energy efficiency.
EU climate law
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Renewables
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Electricity
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Energy networks
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Greenhouse gases
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Energy security
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Climate change
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CO2 emissions
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Fossil fuels
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Solar power
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Energy policy
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Electricity markets
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Energy consumption
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Energy efficiency
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Emissions reduction
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Energy union
Fit for 54: EU says it’s on track for 2030 climate target Fit for 54: EU says it’s on track for 2030 climate target
EUROPEAN UNION 2025

Fit for 54: EU says it’s on track for 2030 climate target

The European Commission’s analysis of National Energy and Climate Plans puts the bloc within a whisker of its goal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. The figures are an improvement on a previous December 2023 assessment — but the rosy headline masks significant shortfalls in areas such as transport, buildings and energy efficiency.
EU climate law
EU EU taxpayers' lobby files criminal complaint against ex-commissioners over Green Deal NGO funding allegations
EU Commission consults on climate change adaptation
EU 2040 climate target: ECR names lead MEP, completing Parliament's negotiating team
EU Leak: Parliament’s far-right rapporteur proposes rejecting Commission’s ‘unrealistic’ 2040 climate target
EU 2040 climate target: Visegrad group looks for wiggle room on 90% reduction goal
EU Weeks after its legal proposal, Commission consults on 2040 climate target
Show more
Brussels doesn’t want the sun to set on solar production Brussels doesn’t want the sun to set on solar production
Douglas Rissing/iStock

Brussels doesn’t want the sun to set on solar production

Legal plans published on 23 May are part of Brussels’ ‘European preference’ strategy to strengthen domestic solar panel makers who face tough Chinese competition. After tariffs failed, and without major subsidies on offer, sceptics wonder if that approach might prove too little, too late to save an ailing European industry.
Brussels doesn’t want the sun to set on solar production Brussels doesn’t want the sun to set on solar production
Douglas Rissing/iStock

Brussels doesn’t want the sun to set on solar production

Legal plans published on 23 May are part of Brussels’ ‘European preference’ strategy to strengthen domestic solar panel makers who face tough Chinese competition. After tariffs failed, and without major subsidies on offer, sceptics wonder if that approach might prove too little, too late to save an ailing European industry.
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