European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen
Letter from Brussels: National realpolitik may water down EU climate policy
The EU is staking out a clear path towards climate neutrality, pursuant to its green deal. But national implementation in the decade ahead may fall short
The European Commission appears to have broad political support for its flagship climate policy. But it may lose steam when EU member states face translating policy into concrete action, with national governments keen to protect domestic industries and consumers while the economic consequences of Covid-19 continue to resonate. In October, the Commission presented the fifth edition of its State of the Energy Union report. This year’s publication boasts of progress on EU energy market integration, with a significantly more liquid European gas market—trading volumes on EU gas hubs saw an impressive 32pc year-on-year growth in the first quarter of the year alone. And it identifies "a clear need
Also in this section
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage
10 March 2026
Eni’s director for global gas and LNG portfolio, Cristian Signoretto, discusses how demand will respond to rising LNG supply, and how the company is expanding its own gas and LNG operations through disciplined, capital-efficient investments
9 March 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis sees increases in output from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan among others before region’s murky descent
