An end to EU green illusions
EU industry and politicians are pushing back against the bloc’s green agenda. Meanwhile, Brussels’ transatlantic trade deal with Washington could consolidate US energy dominance
The European Commission proposed an amendment to the EU Climate Law on 2 July, setting a legally binding target to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, compared with 1990 levels. The draft law includes limited flexibility—allowing up to 3% of the target to be met through international carbon credits and permanent carbon removals—acknowledging both technological constraints and economic realities. The proposal is now under review by the European Parliament and Council, with the aim of formalising the EU’s updated nationally determined contribution (NDC) ahead of COP30 in November. However, on 8 July, the far-right Patriots for Europe (PfE) group unexpectedly secured the rapporteur
Also in this section
2 December 2025
Oil major cites deteriorating demand and a planning debacle as it abandons one of UK’s largest blue hydrogen projects
1 December 2025
Project at Emden in northwest Germany due online in 2027, but wider ramp-up of clean hydrogen sector in Germany will require overhaul of government policy, company warns
25 November 2025
The northwest African country’s vision of integrating green power, molecules and steel is alive and kicking, and serves as a reminder of hydrogen’s transformative potential
19 November 2025
The creation of ‘lead markets’ to generate hydrogen demand in the EU has potential, but implementation would pose complex challenges for producers and industrial offtakers
