In brief | 5 May '26
EEA: Europe must steer AI and digitalisation to support its green transition
As artificial intelligence rapidly reshapes Europe's economy, it will either accelerate our green ambitions or undermine them, said the European Environment Agency (EEA).
Reuters: US to move forward with plans to hike EU car tariffs
US trade representative Jamieson Greer told European Union and German trade officials that the US will move forward with president Donald Trump's plan to raise EU car import tariffs to 25 percent.
Politico: Commission blocks EU funding for Huawei solar tech
A Commission spokesperson says the EU has decided to take “concrete action right now” against the “risk of disruption of the EU’s critical infrastructure by foreign actors.”
Reuters: EU to give industries more free CO2 permits, document shows
The European Commission has drafted plans to give more free emissions permits to industries over the next few years, a move that could save companies 4 billion euros in CO2 costs.
SolarPower Europe: Solar and storage would slash EU power system operating costs in half by 2030
Accelerated solar and storage deployment enables the EU power system to reach 68 percent renewable electricity, in line with EU climate and energy targets, says new report.
Bloomberg: China carmakers’ Europe move boon for industry, Schaeffler says
Schaeffler AG sees Chinese manufacturers making cars in Europe as an opportunity for more business, as well as expertise from the new entrants.
eurostat: EU household electricity prices stable in 2025
Last year's price levels remain well above levels from before the 2022 energy crisis.
eurostat: EU household gas prices up in the second half of 2025
In the second half of 2025, household gas prices in the EU continued to show the seasonal fluctuation between semesters that was visible before the 2022 crisis.
Bloomberg: So when does the energy price shock finally hit Europe? - opinion
Despite the oil shock from the Iran war, Europe’s electricity markets are calm.
Carbon Brief: Q&A: How countries got the global ‘net-zero’ shipping deal ‘back on track’
Nations are “back on track” to adopt a framework for curbing global shipping emissions, following the latest International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) meeting in London, UK.
FT: More than double the gas stuck in Hormuz is wasted each year, IEA says
More than double the volume of gas cut off due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz is being wasted each year because countries are failing to deal with methane leaks and unnecessary flaring, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said.
Montel: Negative power prices show need for German grid revamp – econ min
Germany’s surge in negative spot power prices over this past bank holiday weekend will cost Berlin millions and highlights why the country needs to rethink its energy system, energy and economy minister Katherina Reiche said.