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.
26 June 2025 at 8h00
Energy
The EU Commission has unveiled its clean industrial state aid framework. Wirestock/iStock
by Ciaran Sunderland

The European Commission on 25 June adopted a highly anticipated rulebook governing the state aid that can be handed out for the next five years.

CISAF, as it’s known, forms part of the Clean Industrial Deal, the Commission’s flagship plan to decarbonise the economy and boost competitiveness, replacing the Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework (TCTF) implemented in 2022 after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The clean industrial state aid framework covers everything from supporting nuclear , to financing clean technology…

Further reading

The EU Competitiveness Fund for dummies The EU Competitiveness Fund for dummies
JÉRÉMIE LUCIANI POUR CONTEXTE

The EU Competitiveness Fund for dummies

The European Commission has unveiled its long-awaited plan for the future EU budget. Brussels proposed to shake up the EU’s finances with the creation of a Competitiveness Fund — a single, €400-billion pot which it hopes will give the bloc the financial firepower needed to deliver on climate, energy and economic objectives. Contexte looks at the fine print to figure out just how this budgetary overhaul will work.
Multiannual financial framework (MFF)
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Connecting Europe Facility (CEF)
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Competitiveness Fund
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Energy finance
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Security of supply
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Emissions reduction
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Carbon border adjustment mechanism
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Public procurement
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Von der Leyen 2 Commission
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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 pour 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
The long and winding road to a new EU budget The long and winding road to a new EU budget
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
How the EU ban on Russian gas imports will work How the EU ban on Russian gas imports will work
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
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Natural gas
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Liquefied natural gas (LNG)
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Fossil fuels
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Energy security
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

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
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

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