Russia has responded to high energy prices in Europe by saying that a quick approval of Nord Stream 2 could counter concerns about possible gas shortages in winter. A spokesman for Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that the Baltic Sea pipeline would significantly balance the price parameters for natural gas in Europe, even on […]
Yesterday, the European Parliament’s Industry Committee distributed the dossiers of the Fit for 55 climate package. The committee is responsible for the Renewable Energies Directive, which went to the EPP Group. The Energy Efficiency Directive will also be dealt with in ITRE. Here, the Social Democrats will provide the rapporteur.The Environment Committee will be responsible […]
Energy prices in Europe are at record levels. For example, base-load electricity on the European Energy Exchange (EEX) in Leipzig currently costs more than twice as much as at the same time last year. The price of natural gas in Europe has risen by 170 percent since January alone.Across Europe, concerns are high that the […]
The European Parliament Agriculture Committee confirmed the trilogue result for the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) by a clear majority at its meeting yesterday. The CAP forms the largest single item of EU spending and comprises almost €400 billion in financial aid for Europe’s farmers, around one-third of the total EU budget. The […]
The parliamentary summer recess is over and the MEPs are back in Brussels. But there is not much time for a relaxed arrival. The Fit for 55 legislative package presented by the Commission in July cannot be delayed any longer. The ball is in the Parliament’s court, and the task at hand these days is […]
Just back from the parliamentary summer break, many MEPs are seamlessly picking up where they left off in July. Shortly before the break, the Commission presented its unprecedented Fit for 55 legislative package to implement the EU’s climate targets. The proposals have already caused controversial discussions in recent weeks. Now the ball is in the […]
Just under three weeks before the Bundestag elections, Germany’s candidates for chancellor are campaigning in their neighboring country. Yesterday, Olaf Scholz was a guest of Emmanuel Macron and promoted his idea of an international climate club in the Élysée Palace. And tomorrow, the French president will receive Scholz’s opponent Armin Laschet. Only Annalena Baerbock will […]
The Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea pipeline has been completed and is as good as ready for operation. The last pipe was welded yesterday and is now being lowered to the seabed to be connected to the remaining section, the operating company announced. The Russian energy company Gazprom plans to start the first gas deliveries […]
European policyThe CDU and CSU want to increase the EU’s functionality. Among other things, there should be fewer unanimous decisions in the Council. The European Parliament is to be given the right of initiative, and there is to be a threshold clause for EU elections, similar to the one in Germany. Efforts are also being […]
The EU is currently revising its state aid guidelines for the environment, energy and climate protection. This is no ordinary legislative procedure involving the Parliament and Council but falls solely under the responsibility of the European Commission. The outcome could have serious consequences – especially for German industry. The procedure is expected to be completed […]