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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.
Multiannual financial framework (MFF)
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Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
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Competitiveness Fund
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Nuclear power
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Energy networks
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.
Multiannual financial framework (MFF)
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Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
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Competitiveness Fund
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Nuclear power
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Energy networks
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Multiannual financial framework (MFF)
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

Negotiations on the European Union’s long term, multiyear budget kick off on 16 July. But with EU countries divided on everything from climate and the economy to security and defence, not everyone sees eye to eye on just how to allocate the €1.2 trillion potentially at stake. Ahead of negotiations for the post-2027 EU budget, which could last up to two years, Contexte examines the process that lies ahead.
Multiannual financial framework (MFF)
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Energy finance
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European Parliament
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Competitiveness Fund
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European Commission
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Von der Leyen 2 Commission
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

Negotiations on the European Union’s long term, multiyear budget kick off on 16 July. But with EU countries divided on everything from climate and the economy to security and defence, not everyone sees eye to eye on just how to allocate the €1.2 trillion potentially at stake. Ahead of negotiations for the post-2027 EU budget, which could last up to two years, Contexte examines the process that lies ahead.
Multiannual financial framework (MFF)

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
EU Leak – The formula for how the Commission will allocate funds under its new national and regional partnership plan
EU Leak – Draft regulation for the post-2027 Connecting Europe Facility
EU Leak - Draft regulation for the post-2027 Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
EU Leak – ETS2-linked Social Climate Fund absorbed into broader instrument under draft EU budget
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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
Le budget transports « doublé » pour 2028-2034 Le budget transports « doublé » pour 2028-2034
Alexis HAULOT © European Union 2025 - Source : EP

Le budget transports « doublé » pour 2028-2034

Budget de l'Union 2028-2034
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Financement des infrastructures
Le budget transports « doublé » pour 2028-2034 Le budget transports « doublé » pour 2028-2034
Alexis HAULOT © European Union 2025 - Source : EP

Le budget transports « doublé » pour 2028-2034

Budget de l'Union 2028-2034
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Financement des infrastructures
Le budget transports « doublé » pour 2028-2034 Le budget transports « doublé » pour 2028-2034
Alexis HAULOT © European Union 2025 - Source : EP

Le budget transports « doublé » pour 2028-2034

Sujets à la Une
Budget de l'Union 2028-2034 Budget de l'Union 2028-2034 Relations commerciales Budget 2026 Élevage PAC post-2027
Découvrez l’Édition FR
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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2040 climate target
Turbulence ahead for the EU’s 2040 climate target Turbulence ahead for the EU’s 2040 climate target
Lukasz Kobus/European Union, 2025

Turbulence ahead for the EU’s 2040 climate target

The European Commission is proposing a new emissions reduction target for 2040. However, divisions among member states and within the European Parliament leave a question mark over whether Brussels can build enough support for a new climate goal on the road to net zero in 2050. As some call for more climate ambition and others try to carve out more wiggle room to carry on emitting, the Commission’s roster of climate goals risks fuelling diplomatic battles across Europe.
2040 climate target
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Emissions trading system (ETS)
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Carbon removals (CDR)
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CO2 emissions
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Emissions reduction
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Clean industrial deal
Turbulence ahead for the EU’s 2040 climate target Turbulence ahead for the EU’s 2040 climate target
Lukasz Kobus/European Union, 2025

Turbulence ahead for the EU’s 2040 climate target

The European Commission is proposing a new emissions reduction target for 2040. However, divisions among member states and within the European Parliament leave a question mark over whether Brussels can build enough support for a new climate goal on the road to net zero in 2050. As some call for more climate ambition and others try to carve out more wiggle room to carry on emitting, the Commission’s roster of climate goals risks fuelling diplomatic battles across Europe.
2040 climate target
EU 2040 climate target: governments concerned about changes in natural carbon sinks
EU Far-right MEP Ondřej Knotek named rapporteur on 2040 climate target
EU 2040 climate target: Parliament's political groups set a tighter timetable ahead of COP30
EU 2040 climate target: EU Parliament negotiating line-up nearly complete, awaiting PfE, ECR nominees
EU ‘Overwhelming majority’ of EU countries back 3% cap on carbon offsets for 2040 target, says Hoekstra
EU Environment ministers to discuss 2040 target, COP30 on sidelines of Aalborg informal
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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·RUS Friday new deadline to agree Russia sanctions, as Slovakia, Malta still holding out: sources
EU·RUS Russia sanctions: Commission reassurances fail to shift Slovakia’s blockade
EU·RUS Russian gas ban: Parliament’s negotiating team now complete as radical left, far-right groups name shadow rapporteurs
EU·RUS Groups largely express support for Commission’s proposal to ban Russian gas imports in parliamentary committee
EU·RUS Russian gas ban: Parliamentary committees to vote on 16 October, deal with Council needed in November, rapporteur says
EU Leak – Russian gas ban rapporteurs suggest accelerating phase-out to end all imports in under eighteen months
EU·RUS Russia sanctions: European Commission tweaking oil price cap to help shipping fleets
EU·RUS Slovakia’s PM Robert Fico wants Russia sanctions deal by 15 July Foreign Affairs Council
EU·RUS Leak – New presidency compromise on Russian gas ban proposes only minor changes
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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 Commission approves joint acquisition of Greenlink interconnector by Equitix, Baltic Cable
CZ EDF drops legal challenge over €16.5bn Czech nuclear tender
DE State aid: German business cautiously welcomes Brussels’ attempt to cater to Berlin’s electricity price pledge
EU State aid rules seek to boost energy demand flexibility, alongside first-time support for nuclear

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

EU New draft of EU state aid rules ‘leaves an open door’ to support gas projects, ClientEarth warns
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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·RUS Russian gas ban: Parliament’s negotiating team now complete as radical left, far-right groups name shadow rapporteurs
EU·RUS Groups largely express support for Commission’s proposal to ban Russian gas imports in parliamentary committee
EU·RUS Russian gas ban: Parliamentary committees to vote on 16 October, deal with Council needed in November, rapporteur says
EU Leak – Russian gas ban rapporteurs suggest accelerating phase-out to end all imports in under eighteen months
EU·DE Berlin welcomes EU definition of low-carbon hydrogen
EU·RUS Russia sanctions: European Commission tweaking oil price cap to help shipping fleets
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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

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
EU EU coal production and consumption hit historic lows, as renewables, nuclear grow
EU Leak: Commission’s Competitiveness Fund budget plans due 16 July, nuclear issues on 17 September
EU EU countries cautiously welcome 2040 climate target, but want to see the small print
EU·FR 2040 target: Commission’s proposed change to EU climate law makes room for nuclear
EU Nuclear energy could make its way into the 2040 climate target package, says MEP Pascal Canfin
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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 Commission to set share of international credits counting towards 2040 target at three percentage points, MEP says
EU Incoming Danish Council presidency aiming for 18 September deal on 2040 climate target, sources say
EU Leak – COP30: Polish Council presidency pitches three options for setting 2035 climate target
EU Carbon removal technology ‘central’ to achieving EU climate targets for 2040, 2050, Commission official says
EU Commission advisory body warns against using international carbon credits in 2040 climate goals
EU 2040 climate target proposal expected on 2 July
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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.
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
© Floriana/iStock
Infographic

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

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
© Floriana/iStock
Infographic

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

With the exception of three laggards – Belgium, Estonia and Poland – all EU members have now submitted plans setting out how they will contribute to the EU’s 2030 energy and climate targets. The European Commission is expected to publish its review of them within weeks. Contexte offers a sneak peek into how the bloc’s biggest energy consumers are faring in the race to decarbonise, cut greenhouse emissions and future-proof their energy sectors.
Renewables
EU Member states lag behind in transposing EU renewable permit measures, SolarPower Europe says
EU Leak - Draft regulation for the post-2027 Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
EU Leak – Draft list of activities for next EU budget includes nuclear
EU Leak - Renewables, nuclear, energy efficiency could benefit from future EU competitiveness fund
PL Poland’s renewables likely outpaced coal plants for the first time
EU Christian Kjaer, former WindEurope CEO, takes the helm of new EU ‘supergrid’ lobby
Show more
Low-carbon hydrogen
Low-carbon hydrogen: how a marginal energy source became an explosive political battle Low-carbon hydrogen: how a marginal energy source became an explosive political battle
iStock

Low-carbon hydrogen: how a marginal energy source became an explosive political battle

The European Commission’s draft definition of low-carbon hydrogen is being presented to national experts on 19 May. The seemingly dry dossier has prompted significant concerns from the EU’s most powerful member states, and attention from the highest political level. Contexte outlines how a technical argument over secondary legislation has reignited a much more fiery dispute over national energy mixes.
Low-carbon hydrogen
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Hydrogen
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Natural gas
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Nuclear power
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Greenhouse gases
Low-carbon hydrogen: how a marginal energy source became an explosive political battle Low-carbon hydrogen: how a marginal energy source became an explosive political battle
iStock

Low-carbon hydrogen: how a marginal energy source became an explosive political battle

The European Commission’s draft definition of low-carbon hydrogen is being presented to national experts on 19 May. The seemingly dry dossier has prompted significant concerns from the EU’s most powerful member states, and attention from the highest political level. Contexte outlines how a technical argument over secondary legislation has reignited a much more fiery dispute over national energy mixes.
Low-carbon hydrogen
EU Low-carbon hydrogen definition: MEPs extend their scrutiny until 10 November
EU·DE Berlin welcomes EU definition of low-carbon hydrogen
EU Low-carbon hydrogen definition: industry cautiously positive, NGOs cry greenwashing
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 Legislation to define low-carbon hydrogen expected 8 July; nuclear methodology by end-2026
Show more

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