In brief | 19 December '25

Bloomberg: Return of cheaper gas hasn’t solved Europe’s industrial crisis

Natural gas prices in Europe have fallen close to levels not seen since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, but may be coming too late to help the continent’s battered manufacturers.

NYTimes: Europe begins to tiptoe away from key climate policies

Europe has some of the world’s most ambitious climate goals, but in recent months it has backtracked on rules governing automobile emissions and deforestation.

Politico: How Germany tore down a giant pillar of EU climate policy

A last-minute deal in Berlin ensured the death of the combustion engine ban — a previously unthinkable outcome.

Bruegel: Europe has a solid basis for battery and electric vehicle manufacturing growth

Europe is successfully building up battery and EV manufacturing capacity, though mainly thanks to foreign investment.

Electrive: Brussels gives green light for e-truck charging hubs on German motorways

The European Commission has granted state aid approval for the construction of commercial vehicle charging stations at unmanaged rest areas along German motorways.