EU nations remain split over need to meddle in energy, CO2 markets

Published 20:30 on December 2, 2021  /  Last updated at 23:31 on December 2, 2021  / /  EMEA, EU ETS

EU energy ministers remain at odds over whether to intervene in the EU ETS amid a long-lasting energy price spike, with a few member states still pushing for temporary relief at Thursday’s Council meeting.

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EU launches response to China’s Belt and Road, with green strings attached

Published 20:59 on December 1, 2021  /  Last updated at 20:59 on December 1, 2021  / /  Climate Talks, EMEA, EU ETS, International

The European Commission, EU member states and financial institutions on Wednesday teamed up to mobilise up to €300 billion towards foreign investments over the next five years, aiming to rival China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) while championing the bloc’s green transition and digital priorities.

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EU on track to emit double its 1.5C-aligned carbon budget, says veteran climate campaigner

Published 16:16 on December 1, 2021  /  Last updated at 18:01 on December 1, 2021  / /  Climate Talks, EMEA, EU ETS, International

The EU will emit double its 1.5C-aligned carbon budget under its current emissions targets, according to analysis by a veteran climate campaigner published on Wednesday that suggests the bloc will need to raise its ambition further.

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Think-tank boss appointed to Germany’s economy and climate ‘super-ministry’

Published 18:33 on November 30, 2021  /  Last updated at 21:36 on December 2, 2021  / /  Bavardage, EMEA, EU ETS

The incoming German coalition government on Tuesday appointed the head of environmental think-tank Agora Energiewende as the top official in the new administration’s beefed-up economy and climate ministry.

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Brussels aims to target foreign producers in methane-cutting efforts

Published 18:25 on November 30, 2021  /  Last updated at 18:25 on November 30, 2021  / /  EMEA, EU ETS, International

The EU should focus on cutting methane emissions from foreign energy producers while improving monitoring of its own relatively smaller output, EU sources said on Tuesday, outlining the bloc’s upcoming plans to help meet the aims of the recently adopted Global Methane Pledge.

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MEPs raise doubts on EU carbon border measure’s fit with global trade rules

Published 20:14 on November 29, 2021  /  Last updated at 20:14 on November 29, 2021  / /  EMEA, EU ETS, International

EU lawmakers cast doubt over whether the bloc’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is compatible with global trade rules on Monday, in a preliminary MEP exchange that raises the potential for changes to the plans.

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Green hydrogen can cost less than €1.8/kg in EU by 2030 -von der Leyen

Published 13:58 on November 29, 2021  /  Last updated at 14:07 on November 29, 2021  / /  EMEA, EU ETS, International

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Monday that the EU should aim to drive the cost of green hydrogen to below €1.8 per kilogram by 2030, hitting a price level that would secure market competitiveness for the low-carbon fuel.

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Newly-formed German government firms up plans to shield citizens from energy transition costs

Published 17:52 on November 26, 2021  /  Last updated at 17:52 on November 26, 2021  / /  EMEA, EU ETS

The incoming German cabinet is laying out plans to compensate its citizens for higher energy prices, in a move designed to enhance the acceptability of carbon pricing on consumer-facing sectors while safeguarding social justice.

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EU’s lawmakers lack cohesive view as they take stock of COP26

Published 19:15 on November 24, 2021  /  Last updated at 21:36 on December 2, 2021  / /  Carbon Taxes, CBAM, EMEA, EU ETS, International

Members of the European Parliament put little pressure on the EU to raise its climate ambition further in a disjoined debate on Wednesday, with some lawmakers insisting China needs to do more to cut its emissions while others said the bloc must set a better example.

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EU lawmakers get to grips with bumper climate package

Published 19:05 on November 23, 2021  /  Last updated at 19:24 on November 23, 2021  / /  EMEA, EU ETS

EU lawmakers are making steady progress in scrutinising the mammoth ‘Fit for 55’ climate policy package, with observers noting that early work is advancing in what is expected to be a lengthy process.

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