European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen
Letter from Brussels: National realpolitik may water down EU climate policy
The EU is staking out a clear path towards climate neutrality, pursuant to its green deal. But national implementation in the decade ahead may fall short
The European Commission appears to have broad political support for its flagship climate policy. But it may lose steam when EU member states face translating policy into concrete action, with national governments keen to protect domestic industries and consumers while the economic consequences of Covid-19 continue to resonate. In October, the Commission presented the fifth edition of its State of the Energy Union report. This year’s publication boasts of progress on EU energy market integration, with a significantly more liquid European gas market—trading volumes on EU gas hubs saw an impressive 32pc year-on-year growth in the first quarter of the year alone. And it identifies "a clear need
Also in this section
12 December 2025
The federal government is working with Alberta to improve the country’s access to Asian markets and reduce dependence on the US, but there are challenges to their plans
12 December 2025
The latest edition of our annual Outlook publication, titled 'The shape of energy to come: Creating unique pathways and managing shifting alliances', is available now
11 December 2025
The removal of the ban on oil and gas exploration and an overhaul of the system sends all the right messages for energy security, affordability and sustainability
10 December 2025
The economic and environmental cost of the seven-year exploration ban will be felt long after its removal
