The European Union positioned itself as a potential early climate champion in 2018 by pledging to reach climate-neutrality by 2050. Since, it has enshrined that goal into law, alongside an interim target to cut net emissions by 55 percent by 2030, and agreed a broad range of new and revised legislation to shift to a more sustainable economy. However, the rise of security, competitiveness and cost-of-living concerns has taken some of the focus away from the transition, and green policies have seen a backlash from companies, member states and politicians.

Germany is nearly on track to meet its 2030 emissions reduction target, with rapid progress in the expansion of renewables making up for the lagging transport and heating sectors. The country's electricity system has never been so clean, partly due to a weak economy resulting in drops in manufacturing. Amidst stiff international competition, Germany must find ways to support its industry in the transition to climate neutrality.

France aims to become climate neutral by 2050, yet emission reductions lag behind targets. The country faces budget troubles and dramatic twists and turns stemming from the political crisis that began in July 2024. Renewables expansion has slowed, and state-owned electricity utility EDF faces uncertain long-term financing capacity. After years of delays, France published a plan defining its energy strategy up to 2035, which drew criticism for slashing renewables targets in favour of nuclear power. 

Italy has taken significant steps in its green transition over the past decade, but the current government under prime minister Giorgia Meloni is also determined to make the country a "gas hub" in the Mediterranean Sea, illustrating ongoing deep ties to fossil fuels. Researchers and NGOs have criticised the country's draft plan to reach EU 2030 climate targets for being vague about key topics such as phasing out oil, coal and gas, and expanding alternative energy sources like wind or solar power.

Poland, one of the major economies of the European Union, is also the only country in the bloc that still produces over half of its electricity from coal. The fuel's share in the energy mix has dropped significantly in recent years, but the transition is happening without up-to-date strategies, creating social and economic risks. Topics like the Green Deal and coal mining have become heavily politicised and, with exceptions, lack consensus among the ruling class. 

The coalition of the centre-right HDZ and the right-wing Homeland Movement (Domovinski pokret), which formed the government after the early election in 2024, continues with plans to expand gas infrastructure related to the LNG terminal that receives gas from the US on the island of Krk. New nuclear ideas have also emerged, with a working group on nuclear energy established whose main goal will be to enable the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs). Gas and nuclear are much more the topic of conversation within the ministry of economy than the development of the renewable sources of energy. 

Hungary has almost halved its greenhouse gas emissions since 1990, and in recent years greatly increased its solar power capacity. Still, the country to a large extent relies on conventional energy sources, and depends on other countries – mostly Russia – when it comes to oil, natural gas or nuclear fuel supplies. Hungary traditionally has had close political ties with Russia after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and strong co-operation continued under right-wing conservative Viktor Orbán.

Our daily news digest is the one-stop shop for anyone looking to stay on top of the most relevant topics and developments in Germany’s move to climate neutrality.

Every weekday you will receive:

• Curated, well-contextualised and concise articles on the climate and energy topics that matter most in politics, business and society. Written by the CLEW newsroom, following careful analysis of the day’s news.
• An overview of reports and articles from other news outlets that are relevant to climate and energy policy in Europe.
• A summary of CLEW's widely referenced in-depth output, including analyses on agenda-setting topics and accessible factsheets.
• Alerts on all trainings and other opportunities organised by CLEW.

Our weekly newsletter is tailor-made for those seeking a round-up on energy and climate topics in Europe and its largest economy.

Every Friday you will receive:

• The week's most relevant energy and climate news from Germany.
• CLEW's Dispatches, a quick and concise overview of recent and upcoming developments in selected European countries and the EU in the move to climate neutrality. Written by local reporters for international readers.
• A summary of CLEW's widely referenced in-depth output, including analyses on agenda-setting topics and accessible factsheets.
• Alerts to all trainings and other opportunities organised by CLEW.
• The latest from the CLEW Journalism Network.
• A calendar highlighting the most relevant upcoming events.