EU
Polish government split over coal ahead of UN climate summit
The energy minister has published a statement in defence of coal, which was swiftly disavowed by the presidency of the upcoming Cop24 climate negotiations
Hungary wants end to coal power by 2030
‘Sky-rocketing’ EU carbon prices could mean Hungary is the first country in eastern Europe to set an exit date for the most polluting fossil fuel
Extinction Rebellion eyes global climate campaign of non-violence
Group wants to spark civil disobedience around the world, but US campaigner says it will have to lose white, middle class image
Ten countries back EU 2050 net-zero emissions goal
With the commission about to release its long term strategy, Poland is working to water down the target
Dutch government to appeal landmark climate ruling, again
Mark Rutte’s administration asks Supreme Court to review the Urgenda case, which requires the Netherlands to make deeper emissions cuts by 2020
Starmer: UK and EU green protections risk diverging under Brexit deal
Draft withdrawal agreement prompts calls for green watchdog to assume climate powers
UK called to explain no-deal Brexit impact on power prices
A House of Lords committee was unsatisfied by minister Claire Perry’s testimony last month
France aims to ban deforestation imports by 2030
New French strategy puts pressure on Brussels to set an EU-wide action plan to stop agricultural trade destroying forests
Carmakers slam Spanish climate law as ‘excessive and rushed’
Manufacturers say ban on diesel and petrol cars is against EU neutrality principles, setting up battle to clean up Europe’s second-largest auto-industry
Spain, Europe’s second largest carmaker, plans combustion engine ban
Proposal put forward for country’s first climate law takes swipe at auto-industry, scraps fossil fuel subsidies and sets 2050 goal for 100% renewable power
Can Teresa Ribera transform Spain into a green champion?
Highly experienced minister offers a contrast after years of slow-walking the environmental transition, but admits there is more to do
German finance ministry rejects own party’s carbon price plan
Plan being developed by SPD environment minister would ‘increase the burden on citizens’ said finance ministry, which is controlled by the same party
EU finance ministers call for transparency in climate finance
At a meeting in Brussels, ministers agreed on the need to scale up public and private climate finance to the developing world
Macron takes on motorists over diesel tax hike
The French president has defended increasing the tax on diesel to tackle air pollution, as drivers prepare to block the roads in protest
Polish utility sued over financial risk of €1.2bn coal plant
Client Earth argues the Ostrołęka C power plant investment is a bad bet, putting the spotlight on Poland’s support for coal as it gears up to host UN climate talks
Brexit and Germany erode EU climate resolve
The departure of a heavyweight champion of tough climate measures comes as Germany wavers and Europe faces big decisions about future
Kosovo turns to US after World Bank dumps coal plant
Prime minister Haradinaj met with US officials to discuss backing for project the World Bank recently said was uncompetitive with renewables
EU has ‘strong’ interest in safeguarding post-Brexit energy supply – UK minister
Preparing for a no-deal break with the EU’s energy market is tricky because it depends on other countries, Claire Perry said
Commission president hopeful calls for EU net-zero carbon by 2045
‘EU must put decarbonisation at the heart of its programme,’ said Alex Stubb, who is fighting to be the candidate of Europe’s largest political bloc
Bill Gates throws new weight and cash into climate fight
In back-to-back events this week, the billionaire launched projects to slow global warming and limit the damage it causes