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

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.

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.

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.