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COP30 diary: Europe under fire over CBAM COP30 diary: Europe under fire over CBAM
PABLO PORCIUNCULA/AFP

COP30 diary: Europe under fire over CBAM

Already struggling to make the case that it’s still a leader on climate, the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism is a particular target for accusations from the Global South of European hypocrisy and bad faith. Contexte correspondents in Belém take a closer look as COP30 enters its final days.
COP30 Brazil
COP30 diary: Europe under fire over CBAM COP30 diary: Europe under fire over CBAM
PABLO PORCIUNCULA/AFP

COP30 diary: Europe under fire over CBAM

Already struggling to make the case that it’s still a leader on climate, the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism is a particular target for accusations from the Global South of European hypocrisy and bad faith. Contexte correspondents in Belém take a closer look as COP30 enters its final days.
COP30 Brazil
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COP30 Brazil
COP30 diary: With Lula’s arrival, Brazil pushes for early deal COP30 diary: With Lula’s arrival, Brazil pushes for early deal
Bianca Otero/ZUMA Press Wire

COP30 diary: With Lula’s arrival, Brazil pushes for early deal

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.
COP30 diary: Presidency puts the pressure on in the Amazon COP30 diary: Presidency puts the pressure on in the Amazon
©UN Climate Change - Kiara Worth

COP30 diary: Presidency puts the pressure on in the Amazon

COP30 diary: As ministers arrive, delegations deal with a Brazilian surprise COP30 diary: As ministers arrive, delegations deal with a Brazilian surprise
Victor Roux-Goeken / Contexte

COP30 diary: As ministers arrive, delegations deal with a Brazilian surprise

COP30: What to expect from Brazil’s tricky summit COP30: What to expect from Brazil’s tricky summit
Kay Nietfeld/DPA/SIPA
In depth

COP30: What to expect from Brazil’s tricky summit
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COP30 Brazil

COP30 diary: Europe under fire over CBAM

COP30 diary: With Lula’s arrival, Brazil pushes for early deal

COP30 diary: Presidency puts the pressure on in the Amazon

COP30 diary: As ministers arrive, delegations deal with a Brazilian surprise

INT Global carbon emissions from fossil fuels in 2025 expected to rise: report
In depth

COP30: What to expect from Brazil’s tricky summit
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INT COP30: The Paris Agreement’s tense anniversary. Join us for a discussion with Contexte journalists at 11am, 6 November
EU EU’s COP30 climate target range agreed by ministers

Countries’ deal on 2040 target risks turning into a Pyrrhic victory on climate

EU·INT National climate commitments leave world exposed to ‘serious escalation’ of climate risks: UN report
EU 2040 climate target: Still no formal decision from member states after all-night talks

Nine things that have changed since the 2015 Paris climate agreement

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Article à la Une
L’entourage de Jean Castex L’entourage de Jean Castex
Trombinoscope

L’entourage de Jean Castex

Ferroviaire
L’entourage de Jean Castex L’entourage de Jean Castex
Trombinoscope

L’entourage de Jean Castex

Ferroviaire
L’entourage de Jean Castex L’entourage de Jean Castex
Trombinoscope

L’entourage de Jean Castex

Sujets à la Une
Ferroviaire Syndicalisme agricole Route COP30 Le RGPD Élections municipales 2026
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EU
Who’s who in EU energy policy Who’s who in EU energy policy
Illustration Jérémie Luciani for Contexte
Infographic

Who’s who in EU energy policy

Who shapes EU legislation on energy and climate issues? From those who make the law to those who support, inform or influence it, Contexte has mapped out over 75 key players in Brussels’ dense energy and climate ecosystem.
Who’s who in EU energy policy Who’s who in EU energy policy
Illustration Jérémie Luciani for Contexte
Infographic

Who’s who in EU energy policy

Who shapes EU legislation on energy and climate issues? From those who make the law to those who support, inform or influence it, Contexte has mapped out over 75 key players in Brussels’ dense energy and climate ecosystem.
2040 climate target
Countries’ deal on 2040 target risks turning into a Pyrrhic victory on climate Countries’ deal on 2040 target risks turning into a Pyrrhic victory on climate
Dane Mark/iStock

Countries’ deal on 2040 target risks turning into a Pyrrhic victory on climate

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.
Nine things that have changed since the 2015 Paris climate agreement Nine things that have changed since the 2015 Paris climate agreement
Ekvals/iStock

Nine things that have changed since the 2015 Paris climate agreement

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.
2040 climate target
EU 2040 climate target: 9 December will be the first trilogue, and perhaps the last
EU Council, Parliament ready for flash negotiations on 2040 climate target
EU EU Parliament adopts 2040 climate target stance largely aligned with Council’s
EU EPP divisions leave outcome of 2040 climate target vote uncertain
EU 2040 climate target: Commission promises an updated impact assessment to ‘look into the use of international credits’
EU Make or break moment for 2040 climate targets as MEPs prepare for plenary vote
EU 2040 climate target: In Parliament, centrist majority emerges — but far-right waits in ambush
EU 2040 climate target: From carbon credits to ETS2 delay, centrist MEPs align with Council
EU Leak — MEPs’ compromise deal on 2040 target aligns with member states, delaying ETS2 and expanding international credits
EU In Parliament, energy committee opinion backs 90% emissions cut for 2040
EU EU’s COP30 climate target range agreed by ministers

Countries’ deal on 2040 target risks turning into a Pyrrhic victory on climate

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Russian fuels
Banning Russian fuel: The why, the when, the how Banning Russian fuel: The why, the when, the how
Video

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.
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 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

Russian fuels
EU Member states, gas lobby trying to ‘undermine the EU’s credibility’ over Russian energy phase-out, more than 30 NGOs say
EU Leak — Russian gas ban: Negotiators agree to remove numerical turnover penalty for breaches, document says
EU·HU Viktor Orbán to challenge Russian gas ban in EU court
EU EEAS appoints Polish diplomat as Russian shadow fleet coordinator
EU Russian gas ban: EPP co-rapporteur criticises member states’ inflexibility on phase-out dates
EU·US·RUS Lukoil sale of international assets to Gunvor cancelled after US Treasury blocks it
EU·RUS Leak — First Russian gas ban trilogue to focus on phase-out dates, emergency brake, oil ban
HU Hungary could buy US nuclear fuel as of 2028, minister says
EU·RUS Russian gas ban: Gas lobby calls for removal of EU inspection powers for supply contracts, as final legislative talks begin
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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)

Free access
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
INT In U-turn, IEA forecasts rising global oil demand, following tensions with pro-oil Trump administration
CZ Incoming Czech coalition seeks to shake up EU Green Deal, carbon market
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
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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.
Be a Hemicycle Hero Be a Hemicycle Hero
Infographic

Be a Hemicycle Hero

Free access
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.
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 Supply chain omnibus: Where Parliament and Council stand ahead of trilogues
EU EPP sides with far-right on supply chain rules, raising questions about political stability in Parliament
EU EPP set to line up with far-right on supply chain omnibus vote
EU S&D blames EPP over supply chain omnibus vote standstill
EU MEPs propose nearly 300 changes to supply chain omnibus
EU EPP rapporteur edges towards far-right stance in amendments to supply chain omnibus
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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

Free access
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 Renew finalises ITRE negotiation team on next EU budget
EU Commissioners defend plan to absorb LIFE into new budget’s Competitiveness Fund
EU Competitiveness Fund: Council presidency’s first compromise leaves most sensitive issues up for discussion
EU Leak — Danish presidency tweaks Connecting Europe Facility plan
EU EPP’s Christian Ehler and S&D’s Dan Nica named co-rapporteurs on the Competitiveness Fund for ITRE committee
EU Over 800 groups tell Commission LIFE environment, climate fund should remain separate envelope
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
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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

COP30 diary: As ministers arrive, delegations deal with a Brazilian surprise

EU Make or break moment for 2040 climate targets as MEPs prepare for plenary vote
In depth

COP30: What to expect from Brazil’s tricky summit
Free access

EU 2040 climate target: In Parliament, centrist majority emerges — but far-right waits in ambush
EU 2040 climate target: From carbon credits to ETS2 delay, centrist MEPs align with Council
EU EU could miss 2030 climate target by 8 percentage points if current policies don’t change, Commission says
Show more
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
Show more
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 Improving renewable flexibility calls for better oversight, market incentives: ENTSO-E
EU MEPs urge Commission to restrict ‘high-risk’ Chinese firms from participating in EU solar market
NL·EU Commission approves updated €50-billion Dutch emissions-cutting subsidy programme
INT Offshore wind capacity could triple by 2030 thanks to national ambitions: Ember report
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
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