European Union
Delaying the EU’s anti-deforestation law is not an option
The EU’s new deforestation law was seen as a breakthrough in the global battle against forest loss, but it’s provoking fractious debate among governments and producers
EU floats 90% emissions target but drops green farming measures
The European Commission has proposed a 90% cut to net emissions by 2040 but has dropped specific targets for farming
Frans Timmermans steps down from EU’s climate leadership
Timmermans has led the EU’s climate policy since 2019 but will now seek to become Dutch prime minister instead
EU to push for fossil fuel phaseout ‘well ahead of 2050’ at Cop28
At Cop28 the EU wants governments to agree on more renewables and a faster phase out of fossil fuels with a “residual” role for carbon capture technologies
Europe proposes mass exit from energy treaty
After big European nations said they would leave the Energy Charter Treaty, the European Commission now says a joint EU exit is the best option
EU and UK will end investment protection for fossil fuels in 10 years
Under the reform, the EU will end protection for new fossil fuel infrastructure. But existing ones will remain protected for 10 years and some gas projects for even longer
‘Misleading’ Polish billboards blame EU climate policy for electricity costs
State-owned utilities are using rising energy costs to attack the EU emissions trading system, stoking tensions between Warsaw and Brussels
Germany backs gas as “transition” fuel in EU green finance guidelines
In a letter, Berlin stressed its opposition to nuclear while calling on the European Commission to ease restrictions on gas in the transition to clean energy
Brussels divided on 2030 energy saving target
NEWS: The Ukraine crisis has triggered a focus on energy efficiency but divisions remain over the level of ambition
EU sets 2014 deadline for global climate pledges
Meeting to establish EU position at UN climate talks, ministers have proposed 2014 deadline and stressed role of public finance
EU and China reach “amicable” solution to solar trade dispute
The EU will impose a minimum price on Chinese solar exports, which Commission says will ensure market operates at a “sustainable level”
EU leaders urged to adopt 100% renewable energy target
World Future Council demands Europe increase renewable energy target to 100% within the next 40 years
Bangkok 2012 – EU signals it will not adopt 30% emissions target
Reports from UN climate talks in Bangkok suggest EU is now unlikely to enforce tougher emission targets, with one official describing further cuts as ‘wishful thinking’
RTCC Q&A: UK Special Representative for Climate Change John Ashton
The UK’s Special Representative for Climate Change, John Ashton, talks to RTCC about his hopes for COP17 and why the Durban talks are still relevant.