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

Every year, the Commission adopts a work programme setting out the list of actions it will take in the coming twelve months. The work programme informs the public and the co-legislators of our political commitments to present new initiatives, withdraw pending proposals and review existing EU legislation. It does not cover the ongoing work of the Commission to implement its role as Guardian of the Treaties and enforce existing legislation or the regular initiatives that the Commission adopts every year.

This is one of four regular meetings of EU heads of state and government as the European Council. The recent hike in energy prices is on the agenda.

EU member state energy ministers meet in Luxembourg to exchange views about the impact of rising energy prices and possible measures at EU level.

Right before COP26, co-organised by Italy, the G20 Heads of State and Government Summit will be held in Rome on October 30th and 31st 2021, with the participation of the G20 Heads of State and Government, of their counterparts from invited countries, and of the representatives of some of the main international and regional organizations. The Ministers of Economics and Finance traditionally also take part in the event. The Summit is the climax of the G20 process and the final stage, at Leaders’ level, of the intense work carried out within ministerial meetings, working groups and Engagement Groups throughout the year.

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 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 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.

Raising the 2030 climate target requires a set of actions across all sectors of the economy. Basically, all major energy and climate legislation will have to be amended and the Commission presented most of its proposals on 14 July 2021. Some proposals, however, will be put forth in the fourth quarter: a revision of the energy performance of Buildings Directive, and a revision of the Third Energy Package for gas to regulate competitive decarbonised gas markets, legislation to reduce methane emissions from the energy sector. The Commission also aims to present a communication on restoring sustainable carbon cycles, initiatives on sustainable products, a package on efficient and green mobility, and several proposals on restoration, deforestation and soil.

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

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.

Raising the 2030 climate target requires a set of actions across all sectors of the economy. Basically, all major energy and climate legislation will have to be amended and the Commission presented most of its proposals on 14 July 2021. Some proposals, however, will be put forth in the fourth quarter. On 22 December, the Commission is set to present several proposals on restoration, deforestation and soil.