In brief | 2 June '26

FT: EU to relax budget rules to allow energy spending

Proposed buffer would help governments offset higher costs triggered by Iran war without breaching deficit limits.

Reuters: Climate summits are falling short of what the planet needs, EU climate chief says

The outcomes of most of the United Nations' ​recent COP climate summits have ‌fallen short of the more ambitious action scientists say is needed ​to address climate change, said ​EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra. 

Politico: Poland criticises ‘insane’ EU climate policy

The speed at which the EU is pushing its industry to cut carbon emissions under the Emissions Trading System is "insane," according to Poland’s deputy climate and environment minister.

Euronews: Climate change: How do heatwaves affect pregnancies across Europe?

As heatwaves become more frequent and intense, pregnant people face significant consequences.

PIK: How the EU’s carbon price on imports strengthens climate policies globally

EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could incentivise EU trade partners to adopt carbon pricing as well, study finds.