What’s next in Europe? – Timeline of European climate and energy policy

France takes over EU Council presidency

The Council represents the executive governments of member states, and the presidency rotates among EU member states every six months. It is not only responsible for setting policy priorities and planning and chairing meetings among ministers and heads of government, but must also try and reach agreement on laws with the EU’s other legislative bodies – the Commission and the Parliament. Member states holding the presidency work together closely in groups of three, called 'trios'. France cooperates with the following two presidencies under Czechia and Sweden. Find France's presidency programme here (in French).

European Commission presents RePowerEU plan

The Commission will present the details of its plan to make Europe independent of Russian fossil fuels before 2030. It also plans to present a New strategy on international energy engagement. It aims to publish technical legislation defining renewable hydrogen.

Tim McPhie, European Commission

Plenary votes in the European Parliament on Fit for 55 elements

EU lawmakers are set to vote on key elements from the Fit for 55 package of energy and climate legislation in May and June, for example the Emissions Trading System (ETS) reform, the CBAM, and CO2 standards for cars and vans.

Economic and Financial Affairs Council

This is one of several regular meetings of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council. It is made up of ministers responsible for matters specifically relating to economy or finance policy, such as the possible carbon border adjustment mechanism proposed as part of the Fit for 55 package.

Council president Charles Michel announced there would be a special meeting of EU leaders. "On the agenda notably defence, energy and Ukraine," he wrote on Twitter.

This is one of several regular meetings of the Transport Council. It is made up of ministers responsible for matters specifically relating to transport policy, such as the new CO2 emissions limits for cars proposed as part of the Fit for 55 package.

Economic and Financial Affairs Council

This is one of several regular meetings of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council. It is made up of ministers responsible for matters specifically relating to economy or finance policy, such as the possible carbon border adjustment mechanism proposed as part of the Fit for 55 package.

This is one of four regular meetings of EU heads of state and government as the European Council.

This is one of several regular meetings of the Energy Council. It is made up of ministers responsible for matters specifically relating to the energy policy.

This is one of about four regular meetings of the Environment Council. The Environment Council is made up of ministers responsible for matters specifically relating to the environment. The European Commission is represented in meetings by both the Commissioner for the environment and the Commissioner for climate action.