Top Stories
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
·
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
·
Natural gas
read the latest briefing
EU
Russian fuels
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

Denmark takes over the EU Council presidency on 1 July and is determined to work at full speed to also strike a deal with MEPs on the proposal to phase out Russian gas imports. In an interview with Contexte, Energy and Climate Minister Lars Aagaard says he is 'cautious’ about simplifying energy law through an omnibus package, and worries about allowing too much flexibility on a 2040 EU climate target. Nuclear power is ‘part of the solution’, he says — but he’s sceptical of partisan arguments focused on individual technologies.
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

The European Commission made a legal proposal on 17 June to ban imports of Russian gas. It contains clear details on timelines and transparency and starts the clock ticking on what Brussels hopes will be an end to Europe’s energy ties with Moscow. Contexte looks at the gory details.
Russian fuels
EU·RUS EU leaders agree on Russia sanctions text, but Slovakia still threatens veto, citing gas concerns
EU Majority of MEPs in energy committee back ‘stepwise prohibition’ of Russian gas, Nord Stream decommissioning
EU Greens to take on role of rapporteur for Russian gas import ban in Parliament’s Energy Committee
EU·RUS INTA coordinators appoint EPP’s Inese Vaidere as rapporteur on Russian gas imports ban, three sources say
EU Gas storage: Council, Parliament agree on 90% annual filling target, with fallback to 75% allowed
EU ‘Nothing new’: Hungary, Slovakia oppose EU sanctions on Russia, citing Russian energy import plans
Interview

Russian gas ban: Danish energy minister pursues autumn Council deal

EU·RUS All EU member states, bar Hungary and Slovakia, welcome ban on Russian energy imports at first talks, sources say
In depth

How the EU ban on Russian gas imports will work

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

EU Hungary, Slovakia block Poland’s bid for conclusions on energy security, as Russian imports debate spills over
EU Commission confirms that measures on banning Russian nuclear fuel are delayed
Show more
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
·
Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
·
Russian fuels
·
Fossil fuels
·
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 Broad support for gas storage extension in Parliament’s Energy Committee, except for far-right
EU Gas storage obligation consolidated text details three options to lower 90% filling target, including German-Dutch carveout
EU Majority of MEPs in energy committee back ‘stepwise prohibition’ of Russian gas, Nord Stream decommissioning
EU Greens to take on role of rapporteur for Russian gas import ban in Parliament’s Energy Committee

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

EU Gas storage: Council and Parliament aim to confirm deal this week, so new rules apply as soon as this year
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 Leak – MEP gathers signatures to challenge ‘restrictive and unworkable’ low-carbon hydrogen rules
EU State aid rules seek to boost energy demand flexibility, alongside first-time support for nuclear
EU Euratom research gets €600m funding for next two years
FR Leak – Commission guidelines to ease state aid for clean industry hold a place for nuclear
EU Leak– Draft Commission plan to ease state aid rules for clean tech shows greater openness to nuclear and energy-intensive sectors
GR Greece ‘should be prepared to join the Nuclear Alliance’, says its prime minister
EU Leak – Poland asks finance ministers about mobilising capital for nuclear energy projects
EU Thirteen EU member states ask Commission for written analysis of options for European financing of nuclear energy
EU Germany attends nuclear group meeting at EU Energy Council – though just "as a guest"
EU Commission confirms that measures on banning Russian nuclear fuel are delayed
EU Italy to officially join nuclear alliance as full member during Energy Council
EU PINC report: Pro-nuclear voices cheer, critics denounce a money pit
Show more
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
·
Russia
·
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
Show more
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
·
Renewables
·
Electricity
·
Energy networks
·
Greenhouse gases
·
Energy security
·
Climate change
·
CO2 emissions
·
Fossil fuels
·
Solar power
·
Energy policy
·
Electricity markets
·
Energy consumption
·
Energy efficiency
·
Emissions reduction
·
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 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

Fit for 54: EU says it’s on track for 2030 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.
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
·
Nuclear power
·
Biomass
·
Greenhouse gases
·
Electricity
·
Natural gas
·
Russian fuels
·
Low-carbon hydrogen
·
Hydrogen
·
Climate change
·
Solar power
·
Biofuels
·
Fossil fuels
·
CO2 emissions
·
Climate adaptation
·
Emissions reduction
·
Energy consumption
·
Energy policy
·
Heating and cooling
·
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 Meeting 2030 renewable energy targets could cut EU power prices by 57% — but at a cost, EEA says
EU Majority of MEPs in energy committee back ‘stepwise prohibition’ of Russian gas, Nord Stream decommissioning
EU Commission considers reviewing Energy and Climate Governance Regulation ‘by the end of next year’, official says
DE Germany consults on draft legislation implementing the revised Renewable Energy Directive
EU Solar surge can’t offset fall in wind and hydro as renewables share in EU energy mix shrinks 9% in Q1
DE WindEurope criticises continued use of negative bidding in latest German offshore wind auction
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
·
Hydrogen
·
Natural gas
·
Nuclear power
·
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 Leak – MEP gathers signatures to challenge ‘restrictive and unworkable’ low-carbon hydrogen rules
EU Industry coalition raises new ’alarm’ over upcoming EU low-carbon hydrogen definition
FR Leak – Commission guidelines to ease state aid for clean industry hold a place for nuclear
EU European Parliament resolution on clean industrial deal calls for ‘flexibility strategy’ in energy systems
EU Energy committee MEPs adopt draft resolution on clean industrial deal
EU Industry players clash over EU rules on low-carbon hydrogen
Show more
Von der Leyen 2 Commission
Commissioner Jørgensen promises to simplify EU energy law through sweeping 'omnibus' plan Commissioner Jørgensen promises to simplify EU energy law through sweeping 'omnibus' plan
© jotily/iStock
Scoop

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

Brussels will review a swathe of legislation as it seeks to speed up renewable energy permits — an audit extending into sensitive laws designed to protect birds and natural habitats, the European Commission’s top energy official told Contexte. EU energy policy is too often prone to division, but a shifting geopolitical reality should prompt the EU to show unity, Dan Jørgensen said in an interview.
Von der Leyen 2 Commission
·
Energy omnibus
·
EU-US relations
·
Russian fuels
Commissioner Jørgensen promises to simplify EU energy law through sweeping 'omnibus' plan Commissioner Jørgensen promises to simplify EU energy law through sweeping 'omnibus' plan
© jotily/iStock
Scoop

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

Brussels will review a swathe of legislation as it seeks to speed up renewable energy permits — an audit extending into sensitive laws designed to protect birds and natural habitats, the European Commission’s top energy official told Contexte. EU energy policy is too often prone to division, but a shifting geopolitical reality should prompt the EU to show unity, Dan Jørgensen said in an interview.
Von der Leyen 2 Commission
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

Show more
Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
Dan Jørgensen announces an energy omnibus: ‘I'm aware this can be seen as controversial’ Dan Jørgensen announces an energy omnibus: ‘I'm aware this can be seen as controversial’
© Christophe Licoppe/European Union
Interview

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

As Europe works to reconcile energy security with its climate goals, Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen told Contexte of the tightrope he is walking. In a wide-ranging interview, he defends US LNG imports as a pragmatic necessity, rejects criticism of EU methane rules, and outlines an upcoming “energy omnibus” to slash permitting delays for renewables. He also responds to industry calls for deeper nuclear engagement.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
·
Russian fuels
·
EU-US relations
·
Energy omnibus
·
Von der Leyen 2 Commission
·
Nuclear power
·
2040 climate target
Dan Jørgensen announces an energy omnibus: ‘I'm aware this can be seen as controversial’ Dan Jørgensen announces an energy omnibus: ‘I'm aware this can be seen as controversial’
© Christophe Licoppe/European Union
Interview

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

As Europe works to reconcile energy security with its climate goals, Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen told Contexte of the tightrope he is walking. In a wide-ranging interview, he defends US LNG imports as a pragmatic necessity, rejects criticism of EU methane rules, and outlines an upcoming “energy omnibus” to slash permitting delays for renewables. He also responds to industry calls for deeper nuclear engagement.
Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
In depth

How the EU ban on Russian gas imports will work

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

EU Central, Eastern European countries reposition themselves as LNG end users amid shifting gas flows, report says
EU EU LNG demand could rise 30 bcm by 2030 , says ACER
Interview

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

EU·US EU trade chief says buying more US LNG and produce could end dispute ‘very quickly’
Show more
Commission, Parliament, Council: who holds the power in EU institutions? Commission, Parliament, Council: who holds the power in EU institutions?
DR
Infographic

Commission, Parliament, Council: who holds the power in EU institutions?

Understanding the EU requires knowing how to navigate its political landscape. The European elections in 2024 took place during a period of significant economic and geopolitical turmoil — and it showed at the ballot box. Brussels' traditional centre-right leadership was knocked further off-balance; previously shunned, the EU's extremist voices now hold more power — which they are eagerly using to influence the bloc's agenda.
Commission, Parliament, Council: who holds the power in EU institutions? Commission, Parliament, Council: who holds the power in EU institutions?
DR
Infographic

Commission, Parliament, Council: who holds the power in EU institutions?

Understanding the EU requires knowing how to navigate its political landscape. The European elections in 2024 took place during a period of significant economic and geopolitical turmoil — and it showed at the ballot box. Brussels' traditional centre-right leadership was knocked further off-balance; previously shunned, the EU's extremist voices now hold more power — which they are eagerly using to influence the bloc's agenda.

Discover the reference media for public affairs

More than 12,000 decision-makers read us every morning

Try Contexte for free

10 minutes a day to master the essentials of political information.

+50 expert journalists give you early access to key information.

21 official sources scrutinised according to your topics to deliver the information that should not be missed.

You are currently simulating browsing with the IP address: