FEATURE: Social acceptance of the Green Deal at a minimum endangers EU ETS2
The second chapter of the EU’s Emissions Trading System risks being delayed and watered down if governments leverage certain clauses aimed at protecting vulnerable people, as political clashes within the bloc continue to undermine the reputation and very existence of the European Green Deal.
Read MoreEU states hesitant on ETS2 amid worries about auto sector’s future
Several EU nations worry the implementation of a new Emissions Trading System (ETS) for transport and heating fuels, as well as a looming ban on CO2-emitting cars, may harm the bloc’s automotive sector, with more and more hesitations emerging from Tuesday’s Environment Council.
Read MoreSome EU countries push for separate carbon removals target for 2040
EU member states are considering the possibility of setting a specific target for carbon removals in the EU’s new emissions reduction target for 2040, which is due to be negotiated over the course of next year.
Read MorePREVIEW: Five things to watch on EU climate policy in 2025
With the Polish EU Council presidency focusing on energy security in the first half of the year, the initiative on climate is expected to come from the European Commission, with a series of proposals due in the first quarter, including a much-awaited Clean Industrial Deal at the end of February.
Read MoreElectrifying EU industry can reduce emissions by 78% -report
The electrification of European industries would see a huge cut carbon emissions from the sector based on existing technologies, while also improving the bloc’s competitiveness with energy independence and greater efficiency, according to a new report Thursday.
Read MoreEU conservatives pushing to cancel CO2 fines for carmakers
Lawmakers from the centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) have called on the EU to find ways of avoiding fines for carmakers that fail to meet their CO2 reduction targets in 2025, saying “a realistic approach” is needed on EU climate goals.
Read MoreUPDATE – EU should use CBAM revenues to help poorer countries decarbonise their steel too -think tank
The EU can paint its Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) in a good light by redistributing revenues to help the least developed countries decarbonise their own steel industries, according to research published on Monday.
Read MoreEU-Mercosur deal pushed forward as “necessity” despite environment concerns
The European Union and the Mercosur group of South American countries concluded a long-awaited trade deal on Friday, calling it a “political necessity” and “historic milestone” despite environmental concerns and opposition from seven EU countries, including France.
Read MoreEU urged to neutralise Energy Charter Treaty’s protection of fossil fuel investments
Legal experts are calling on the EU to work with the remaining members of an alliance that protects fossil fuel assets to challenge its problematic ‘sunset clause’, and create a replacement that champions clean energy.
Read MoreFrench political upheaval threatens EU support for clean industrialisation and investments -expert
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s ousting on Thursday raises new risks and uncertainties for national and EU-wide climate action, particularly for the private finance sector — and it comes just as France begins to show signs of progress, according to an expert.
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