Delegations are still at odds over climate adaptation funding and phasing out fossil fuels, but Brazil hopes the early start of discussions will bear fruit. Contexte’s correspondents report from the Amazon in their daily log.

After months of suspense, EU member states finally agreed to back a 2040 target to deliver a 90% cut in the bloc’s net emissions from 1990 levels. On the surface, the deal sticks closely to the Commission’s original plans, but the fine print includes numerous tweaks to cushion the impacts of climate action on EU competitiveness — so much so that questions now abound on whether the freshly inked deal can deliver or whether it might send Europe’s wider climate agenda into a tailspin.

Trillions have flowed into clean investment — yet fossil fuels still reign supreme. As preparations begin for the COP30 UN climate summit, Contexte examines the shifting global picture since the landmark global accord was signed ten years ago.

Just over three years after the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine, the European Commission, on 17 June, proposed ambitious plans to phase out Russian gas. The European Parliament and Council are rushing to come to an agreement, ahead of a key January 2026 deadline. But the plans don’t affect all member states equally. Some are vocally in favour, while others are entrenched in their opposition. Gas flows, the ability and willingness to find other suppliers, legal risks and politics all play a major role. As talks advance, Contexte looks at the positions of twelve key EU countries, from Hungary to France.

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.