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Brussels fights to save its 2040 climate targets, as capitals push back Brussels fights to save its 2040 climate targets, as capitals push back
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Brussels fights to save its 2040 climate targets, as capitals push back

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First seen as a mere staging post on the path to climate neutrality, the EU’s objective to legislate for 90% emissions cuts by 2040 has now become a major political headache. Pushback from member states has forced the European Commission to offer reassurances on topics from cars to forestry — but lofty climate ambitions limit Brussels’ wiggle room. If a 23 October summit discussion on climate goals spills over, some warn it could prove messy — and divisive.
2040 climate target
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EU climate law
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COP30 Brazil
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Emissions trading system (ETS)
Brussels fights to save its 2040 climate targets, as capitals push back Brussels fights to save its 2040 climate targets, as capitals push back
Bombaert/iStock

Brussels fights to save its 2040 climate targets, as capitals push back

Free access
First seen as a mere staging post on the path to climate neutrality, the EU’s objective to legislate for 90% emissions cuts by 2040 has now become a major political headache. Pushback from member states has forced the European Commission to offer reassurances on topics from cars to forestry — but lofty climate ambitions limit Brussels’ wiggle room. If a 23 October summit discussion on climate goals spills over, some warn it could prove messy — and divisive.
2040 climate target
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EU climate law
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COP30 Brazil
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Emissions trading system (ETS)
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Russian fuels
Banning Russian fuel: The why, the when, the how Banning Russian fuel: The why, the when, the how
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Banning Russian fuel: The why, the when, the how

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Watch the replay of our Contexte Live discussion on the EU’s plan to phase out gas, oil and nuclear imports from Moscow.
Russian gas ban: What MEPs and member states agree on, and what they don’t Russian gas ban: What MEPs and member states agree on, and what they don’t
Source: Erhui1979/iStock

Russian gas ban: What MEPs and member states agree on, and what they don’t

For and against: Where EU member states stand on the Russian gas ban For and against: Where EU member states stand on the Russian gas ban
Tomas Ragina/iStock
Infographic

For and against: Where EU member states stand on the Russian gas ban

Russian fuels
EU·RUS EU oil supply not at risk after US sanctions on Russia’s Lukoil, Commission says
EU After latest Western sanctions round, attention turns to EU’s Lukoil loophole

Russian gas ban: What MEPs and member states agree on, and what they don’t

EU EU leaders at Brussels summit set to agree on new sanctions on Russian LNG from 2027: sources
EU·RUS Russian gas ban trilogues to begin on 6 November: sources
EU Russian gas ban in 2027 or 2028? Council and Parliament split over when imports must end as they head for trilogues
EU·RUS EU Council adopts stance on Russian gas ban proposal
EU·RUS EU to appoint shadow fleet ‘envoy’ after foreign ministers discuss ‘pre-authorised boardings’ of suspect vessels
EU·RUS NGOs urge EU countries to match Parliament’s ambition on Russian gas ban
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Édition · FR
La couverture des politiques publiques françaises et européennes ayant un impact en France
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Ce que vous prépare la Commission dans les prochains mois Ce que vous prépare la Commission dans les prochains mois
iStock
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Ce que vous prépare la Commission dans les prochains mois

Transport aérien
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Automobile
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Ferroviaire
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Transport maritime
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Transports publics
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Aéroports
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Route
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Transport fluvial
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Financement des infrastructures
Ce que vous prépare la Commission dans les prochains mois Ce que vous prépare la Commission dans les prochains mois
iStock
Infographie

Ce que vous prépare la Commission dans les prochains mois

Transport aérien
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Automobile
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Ferroviaire
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Transport maritime
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Transports publics
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Aéroports
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Route
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Transport fluvial
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Financement des infrastructures
Ce que vous prépare la Commission dans les prochains mois Ce que vous prépare la Commission dans les prochains mois
iStock
Infographie

Ce que vous prépare la Commission dans les prochains mois

Sujets à la Une
Transport aérien Budget 2026 PAC post-2027 Carburants Objectif climatique 2040 Politique énergétique
Découvrez l’Édition FR
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
Corporate sustainability: von der Leyen’s majority collides with a coalition of opposites Corporate sustainability: von der Leyen’s majority collides with a coalition of opposites
© European Union 2025 - Source : EP

Corporate sustainability: von der Leyen’s majority collides with a coalition of opposites

A fragile deal to reform corporate supply chain laws has been upended by a knife-edge vote in the European Parliament on 22 October. An uneasy coalition of the chamber’s left wing, which thinks the simplification measures go too far, made common cause with the extreme right, which thinks they don’t go far enough, to oppose the deal agreed by centrists about a week ago. The issue will be put to a further vote on 13 November. In the meantime, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s red-tape-cutting plan has an uncertain fate, and the centrist coalition that voted her into office has suffered another blow.
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
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Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD)
Corporate sustainability: von der Leyen’s majority collides with a coalition of opposites Corporate sustainability: von der Leyen’s majority collides with a coalition of opposites
© European Union 2025 - Source : EP

Corporate sustainability: von der Leyen’s majority collides with a coalition of opposites

A fragile deal to reform corporate supply chain laws has been upended by a knife-edge vote in the European Parliament on 22 October. An uneasy coalition of the chamber’s left wing, which thinks the simplification measures go too far, made common cause with the extreme right, which thinks they don’t go far enough, to oppose the deal agreed by centrists about a week ago. The issue will be put to a further vote on 13 November. In the meantime, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s red-tape-cutting plan has an uncertain fate, and the centrist coalition that voted her into office has suffered another blow.
Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD)
EU EU’s CS3D contains ‘direct energy security risks’, US, Qatar energy ministers say

Corporate sustainability: von der Leyen’s majority collides with a coalition of opposites

EU JURI adopts deal on sustainable supply chain omnibus, attempts to jump-start trilogues hinging on plenary
EU Supply chain omnibus: S&D negotiator quits as talks turn tense
EU Leak — Corporate sustainability: Centrist MEPs’ compromise aligns thresholds with Council
EU Supply chain omnibus: US bears down on climate transition plans that risk ‘complicating’ trade talks with Brussels
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Energy policy
The Franco-German motor needs some gas (and some nuclear) The Franco-German motor needs some gas (and some nuclear)
Manon Cruz/Pool/AP/SIPA
In depth

The Franco-German motor needs some gas (and some nuclear)

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Over the summer, a joint summit of Franco-German leaders suggested they were trying to repair long-standing divisions over the role of nuclear energy. Yet just months after the deal, confusion reigns: Paris boasts about a “historic” agreement in favour of low-carbon energy, while Berlin is walking on eggshells. Political turbulence in Paris, and the need for Germany to gain support for its own gas-powered plans, are only making the situation more complex.
Energy policy
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Nuclear power
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Natural gas
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Fossil fuels
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Renewables
The Franco-German motor needs some gas (and some nuclear) The Franco-German motor needs some gas (and some nuclear)
Manon Cruz/Pool/AP/SIPA
In depth

The Franco-German motor needs some gas (and some nuclear)

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Over the summer, a joint summit of Franco-German leaders suggested they were trying to repair long-standing divisions over the role of nuclear energy. Yet just months after the deal, confusion reigns: Paris boasts about a “historic” agreement in favour of low-carbon energy, while Berlin is walking on eggshells. Political turbulence in Paris, and the need for Germany to gain support for its own gas-powered plans, are only making the situation more complex.
Energy policy
EU·SE Åsa Webber becomes Sweden’s deputy ambassador to the EU, again
In depth

The Franco-German motor needs some gas (and some nuclear)
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EU Commission considers earlier auctions, tweaking allowance rules to soften ETS2 landing — sources
EU From electrification to renewables, EU must do more to meet energy goals: European Environment Agency
EU Brussels’ subsidy relaxation to lower energy prices is ‘risky’, Bruegel says
ALB EU ‘empire’ encourages Albania to tackle corruption in energy policy as entry talks advance
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Be a Hemicycle Hero Be a Hemicycle Hero
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Be a Hemicycle Hero

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Dominate the blocks and dominate the blocs! Learn more about the EU's elected chamber (and take out your summer frustrations) with Contexte’s parliamentary pinball game.
Be a Hemicycle Hero Be a Hemicycle Hero
Infographic

Be a Hemicycle Hero

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Dominate the blocks and dominate the blocs! Learn more about the EU's elected chamber (and take out your summer frustrations) with Contexte’s parliamentary pinball game.
Climate change
Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo
Darwel/iStock
Agenda

Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo

With the roll-out of the clean industrial deal, new climate targets and ambitious plans to ban Russian fuels, Brussels was just getting started with its new energy roadmap when the US forced its hand, insisting on an exacting trade deal. The European Commission is now likely to spend the next few months trying to get back on track from that Trumpian manoeuvre.
Climate change
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Russian fuels
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Carbon border adjustment mechanism
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COP30 Brazil
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EU climate law
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EU-US relations
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Von der Leyen 2 Commission
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Energy transition
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Russia
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Industrial policy
Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo
Darwel/iStock
Agenda

Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo

With the roll-out of the clean industrial deal, new climate targets and ambitious plans to ban Russian fuels, Brussels was just getting started with its new energy roadmap when the US forced its hand, insisting on an exacting trade deal. The European Commission is now likely to spend the next few months trying to get back on track from that Trumpian manoeuvre.
Climate change
NOR·INT Norway’s gas exploration licences didn’t breach human rights, Strasbourg court says
INT New contributions to global climate efforts insufficient to meet Paris Agreement objectives: UN report
EU Commission unveils new climate and energy diplomatic strategy
EU Finance ministers pledge to find new sources to reach €1.1tn annual COP pledge
EU ENVI’s COP30 resolution clears committee vote
INT COP30: EU ‘disappointed’ in China’s 2035 climate target, yet hasn’t detailed its own
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How von der Leyen’s omnibuses drive EU lawmaking How von der Leyen’s omnibuses drive EU lawmaking
gremlin/iStock

How von der Leyen’s omnibuses drive EU lawmaking

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You wait ages for an omnibus, then six come along at once. The European Commission’s omnibus simplification programme is becoming a veritable traffic jam, transforming — if not clogging up — the legislative pipes. And there’s more to come: a 22 July consultation hints at the next phase, a review of EU environmental law. Behind the scenes, frustration is mounting among officials and lawmakers alike, who denounce a top-down process that risks undermining years of work — and shifting the balance of power in Brussels.
How von der Leyen’s omnibuses drive EU lawmaking How von der Leyen’s omnibuses drive EU lawmaking
gremlin/iStock

How von der Leyen’s omnibuses drive EU lawmaking

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You wait ages for an omnibus, then six come along at once. The European Commission’s omnibus simplification programme is becoming a veritable traffic jam, transforming — if not clogging up — the legislative pipes. And there’s more to come: a 22 July consultation hints at the next phase, a review of EU environmental law. Behind the scenes, frustration is mounting among officials and lawmakers alike, who denounce a top-down process that risks undermining years of work — and shifting the balance of power in Brussels.
Multiannual financial framework (MFF)
Five things the new EU budget would mean for energy and climate Five things the new EU budget would mean for energy and climate
Jérémie Luciani for Contexte

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

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The European Commission has finally unveiled its €2-trillion proposal for the 2028-2034 EU budget — and there’s plenty for energy and climate watchers to dig into. With a fivefold boost in cross-border energy infrastructure spending, 35% of funds earmarked for green priorities, and a notable new role for nuclear, Contexte sets out some key points to take away.
The EU Competitiveness Fund for dummies The EU Competitiveness Fund for dummies
Jérémie Luciani for Contexte

The EU Competitiveness Fund for dummies
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The long and winding road to a new EU budget The long and winding road to a new EU budget
Jérémie Luciani for Contexte
Infographic

The long and winding road to a new EU budget

Multiannual financial framework (MFF)
EU Centrists in energy committee carve up work on EU budget — prompting right-wing fury
EU Parliament’s ITRE committee to lead work on the €400-billion Competitiveness Fund
EU Leak — Danish EU budget draft puts 35% earmark on climate, environment up for debate
EU Countries divided over Competitiveness Fund eligibility criteria
EU Capitals call for targeting, EU preference and fair distribution as they debate new €400bn Competitiveness Fund
EU António Costa aims to finalise next EU budget by end-2026
EU Cohesion funding can prioritise energy interconnectors and critical infrastructure under newly finalised law
EU Solar lobbies call for new EU budget fund, warning EU’s panel manufacturing base ‘under existential threat’
EU Multiple parliament committees squabble for ownership of EU’s biggest spending pots
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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.
European Commission
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European Parliament
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EU-US relations
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Von der Leyen 2 Commission
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Ukraine war
Von der Leyen takes the stage, in a climate of gloom Von der Leyen takes the stage, in a climate of gloom
EC - Audiovisual Service - European Union, 2023

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

The Commission president’s State of the Union speech usually sets the EU’s political tone for the year ahead; this year’s instalment, due on 10 September, could be in a minor key. It comes as Ursula von der Leyen contends with a string of existential struggles, geopolitical challenges from Washington to Kyiv, cracks in the bloc’s unity, and rising questions about her capacity to lead.
European Commission
EU Commission unveils new climate and energy diplomatic strategy
EU Leak — Von der Leyen to address ‘climate and competitiveness’ in letter to leaders ahead of 23 October EU summit
EU Valère Moutarlier to lead work on Industrial Accelerator Act
EU Omnibus push to streamline sustainable supply chain laws is aligned with EU climate goals, Commission says
EU Ahead of State of the Union, 470 NGOs urge EU to end ‘perfect storm of deregulation’

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

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Von der Leyen 2 Commission
Von der Leyen, the hyper-president Von der Leyen, the hyper-president
Jérémie Luciani for Contexte
In depth

Von der Leyen, the hyper-president

Since her reappointment to the helm of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen has continued to tighten her grip on the institution, reshaping it to such a degree that some wonder how much power her fellow commissioners truly hold.
Von der Leyen 2 Commission
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European Commission
Von der Leyen, the hyper-president Von der Leyen, the hyper-president
Jérémie Luciani for Contexte
In depth

Von der Leyen, the hyper-president

Since her reappointment to the helm of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen has continued to tighten her grip on the institution, reshaping it to such a degree that some wonder how much power her fellow commissioners truly hold.
Von der Leyen 2 Commission
EU Commission unveils new climate and energy diplomatic strategy
EU Valère Moutarlier to lead work on Industrial Accelerator Act
EU Omnibus push to streamline sustainable supply chain laws is aligned with EU climate goals, Commission says
Agenda

Brussels steers back to energy gameplan, after US intermezzo

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

EU Commission’s ‘large-scale’ revamp to kick-off in autumn
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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
EU Green transition ‘pushback’ hindering switch to cheaper green energy: ECB chief
EU·DE German energy minister makes second guest appearance at nuclear alliance meeting
EU Leak — Don’t delay update to grid connection codes, EU TSOs tell Commission as demand rises
EU Leak — Energy omnibus due in third quarter of next year, Commission draft work programme says
EU·UK Industry groups call for CBAM pause pending EU-UK carbon market link-up
EU Commission decision to take legal action against Sweden over permitting rules is ‘long overdue signal,’ renewables lobby says
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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/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 Leak — Council draft on 2040 climate target leaves international credits an open question
EU European Council’s climate conclusions draw mixed reactions from MEPs
EU 2040 emissions target: MEPs left with narrow room for manoeuvre
EU Ahead of COP30, MEPs’ resolution pushes member states for climate ambition
EU 2040 climate target: The ball is now in Copenhagen’s court
EU Climate conclusions sail through European Council as each capital claims its prize
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EU-US relations
Five open questions about the EU-US energy deal Five open questions about the EU-US energy deal
Christoph Burgstedt/iStock

Five open questions about the EU-US energy deal

While both parties tout their recent trade deal, experts and officials are looking for answers on everything that Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Trump’s deal does not say. Many uncertainties remain — not least behind the $750 billion of US energy purchases that Brussels put on the table.
EU-US relations
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Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
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Fossil fuels
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Nuclear power
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Energy policy
Five open questions about the EU-US energy deal Five open questions about the EU-US energy deal
Christoph Burgstedt/iStock

Five open questions about the EU-US energy deal

While both parties tout their recent trade deal, experts and officials are looking for answers on everything that Ursula von der Leyen and Donald Trump’s deal does not say. Many uncertainties remain — not least behind the $750 billion of US energy purchases that Brussels put on the table.
EU-US relations
EU·RUS EU oil supply not at risk after US sanctions on Russia’s Lukoil, Commission says

Russian gas ban: What MEPs and member states agree on, and what they don’t

EU EU’s CS3D contains ‘direct energy security risks’, US, Qatar energy ministers say
EU Supply chain omnibus: US bears down on climate transition plans that risk ‘complicating’ trade talks with Brussels
EU·US MEPs denounce EU-US energy commitments in cross-party letter to von der Leyen
EU EU pipeline gas imports fell 9% year on year in first half of 2025 in ‘structural decline’, think tank says
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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
EE·EU Commission approves €750-million Estonian strategic reserve to support security of electricity supply
EU·DE Commission ‘assisting’ Germany to develop state aid subsidy scheme for new gas plants
EU State aid: Commission clears €61.5-million Italian programme for clean tech manufacturing
EU·AT Commission greenlights Austria’s renewed state aid for electricity supply security
EU Leak — Paris sets out its conditions for agreeing a 2040 climate target: CBAM, public procurement and competitiveness
PT Commission approves €100m hike to Portuguese compensation system for CO₂ price of electricity
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EU
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