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The Green Deal under revision
Since 26 May
The EU's climate agenda has shifted from legislative expansion to implementation, simplification, and competitiveness-driven recalibration, with the Commission, Paris and Berlin moving to soften core Green Deal measures including the 2035 combustion-engine car ban.
2035 Car Ban
Germany and France seek a 90% cut in average new-car emissions by 2035, instead of the current 100% requirement. Their plan drops the obligation to compensate for the last 10% through low-carbon steel or alternative fuels, and treats vehicles running on renewable or low-carbon fuels as zero-emission.
The package pairs the concession with multi-year compliance periods and stricter "Made in Europe" conditions under the Industrial Accelerator Act, with a possible limited trusted-partner arrangement for the UK. It is a political position, not law. Council and Parliament must agree, Spain opposes dropping the zero-emission objective, and a plenary vote is planned for 23 November.
Summit and Carbon Market
The 15-16 October summit did not fix a new ETS2 timetable. Leaders asked the Commission to reassess impacts, design, safeguards and timeline, while Poland, Italy, Czechia, Hungary and Slovakia pressed for a delay to 2030. ETS2 is still scheduled to price road transport and buildings from 2028.
Energy and Budget
The Commission proposed a one-year delay to methane rules for imported oil and gas, citing energy prices. Poland rejects routing 30% of ETS auction revenue into the EU budget and may block the 2028-2034 package. Ministers hear the case for a two-year ETS2 postponement on 28 October.
Next
Ministers hear the case for a two-year ETS2 postponement
Who’s who
Maroš Šefčovič, EU Trade Commissioner
Negotiated the 9 October understanding with China, which would cap Chinese hybrid and plug-in-hybrid imports at 350,000 a year.
Emmanuel Macron, French President
Said on 12 October that France and Germany were close to a deal, which Paris and Berlin then agreed on 16 October for the 2035 car target.
Germany, EU member state government
Agreed with France on 16 October to seek a 90% CO2 cut for new cars in 2035 with no offsets, and stricter 'Made in Europe' criteria; not yet an EU position.
France, EU member state government
Agreed with Germany on 16 October to soften the 2035 target while pushing tighter European-content rules.
Poland, EU member state government
Rejects routing 30% of ETS auction revenue into the EU budget and may block the 2028-2034 package; also signed a deal on 13 October to prepare a second nuclear plant.
Italy, EU member state government
Timeline
EU leaders commit to updating ETS2 assessment and reviewing its design
At the 15 October European Council summit, leaders committed to updating the assessment of ETS2, the carbon-pricing system for heating and road transport, and to reviewing its design and safeguards for vulnerable households. Italy and several central and eastern states had sought delay or suspension.
Key
Germany and France provisionally agree to soften 2035 combustion engine phase-out
Berlin and Paris provisionally agreed to replace the 100% zero-emission requirement for new cars in 2035 with a 90% reduction target, dropping the obligation to offset the remaining 10%. Public support would favour EU-made vehicles. It is not yet an EU position.
Commission proposes one-year delay to methane rules for imported oil and gas
The European Commission proposed on 14 October postponing by one year the application of EU methane-emissions requirements to imported oil and gas, Reuters reported. The move followed pressure from several governments, including France and the United States.
Poland threatens to block EU 2028-2034 budget over ETS revenue plan
Warsaw says it will not accept a Commission plan to route 30% of ETS auction revenue into the EU budget, and RMF FM reports it could block the 2028-2034 package. The issue is on the 15-16 October European Council agenda.
CPK applies for over €63 million in EU rail grants
CPK submitted three applications to the European Commission under the Connecting Europe Facility for more than €63 million. The requests cover the Łódź tunnel section of the Polish high-speed line and cross-border planning.
ZE PAK and Sołowow's SGE agree to build up to six SMRs at Pątnów
ZE PAK and SGE, controlled by Michał Sołowow, agreed to set up a special purpose vehicle to build up to six BWRX-300 small modular reactors at Pątnów near Konin. ZE PAK shares rose about 3.5% in Warsaw the same day.
Poland signs deal to prepare second nuclear plant
The Ministry of Energy, PEJ and PGE signed an agreement on 13 October making PEJ investor and coordinator, with PGE supplying location analyses and feasibility studies. Bełchatów and Konin remain preferred sites; the updated programme targets a technology partner in 2027 and construction around 2032.
Italy asks to widen EU fiscal flexibility to cover household and business energy costs
Italy is seeking permission to use EU fiscal flexibility beyond the green transition, to support households and businesses facing higher energy prices and inflation, Reuters reported on 13 October. Finance Minister Giorgetti called for "selective and temporary support."
EU caps Chinese hybrid imports at 350,000 a year under deal with Beijing
The EU-China arrangement sets an annual quota of 350,000 hybrid and plug-in-hybrid cars, after which no extra vehicles can enter the market. The mechanism could start on 1 December if the whole EU bloc backs it.
Irish EU presidency tables 8% budget cut compromise
Ireland's EU presidency proposed on 10 October cutting about 8% from the Commission's 2028-2034 budget package ahead of the 15 October leaders' summit. Frugal states demand deeper reductions; southern and eastern members resist cuts to cohesion and agriculture spending.
EU finance ministers give ESMA direct supervision of largest exchanges
EU finance ministers agreed on 9 October to hand the European Securities and Markets Authority direct supervision of the largest exchanges, clearing houses and depositories. Poland's finance ministry says the Warsaw Stock Exchange and KDPW stay under the national KNF.
Commission approves expanded Greek fiscal escape clause for energy resilience
The European Commission approved on 9 October Greece's request to widen its existing national fiscal escape clause to cover energy-resilience measures, unlocking about €1 billion in investment. The decision links climate implementation to fiscal flexibility, letting Athens fund grid and storage projects outside normal deficit constraints.
EU and China reach understanding on hybrid-vehicle trade
China's commerce ministry said on 9 October that the two sides had reached an "understanding" after two days of talks aimed at reducing trade tensions and the EU's deficit with China. The details and legal status of the arrangement were not fully specified in initial reports.
EU institutions propose grid-connection prioritisation rules
EU institutions proposed on 9 October that national regulators may rank electricity-grid connection requests when capacity is insufficient, prioritising households and small businesses over data centres. The draft also sets minimum smart-meter coverage of 50% by 2030 and 75% by 2033.
Commission names 46 strategic raw-material projects to curb China reliance
The Commission selected 46 strategic raw-material projects across 16 member states on 9 October, making them eligible for faster permitting and financing support under the Critical Raw Materials Act. The list targets clean-energy metals to reduce dependence on China.
US opens probe into EU CBAM as possible trade barrier
US authorities opened an investigation into the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism as a potential trade barrier, Euronews reported on 8 October. CBAM entered its definitive phase in January 2026, covering aluminium, cement, fertilisers, hydrogen, iron, and steel imports.
Germany ties UK shield from EU car-preference rules to higher Chinese EV tariffs
Berlin has told the UK it must raise tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for protection from future EU "Made in Europe" producer-preference rules, Politico reported on 8 October. The linkage ties bilateral trade protection to alignment on Chinese import policy.
Macron enlists Michelin and BMW CEOs to broker European car-industry preference rules
Macron tasked the CEOs of Michelin and BMW with brokering "European preference" rules for the car industry, Le Monde reported on 8 October. France and Germany hoped to announce an agreement before the Paris motor show opens on 12 October.
Poland begins ordering long-lead components for first nuclear plant
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe commissioned Westinghouse to procure six critical components for Poland's first AP1000 reactor at Choczewo, targeting initial electricity generation in 2036. The order advances Warsaw's nuclear build-out plan despite unresolved EPC contract negotiations.
Šefčovič travels to Beijing for talks on Chinese vehicle exports
Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič arrived in Beijing on 8 October for negotiations on Chinese car exports, seeking voluntary commitments while warning of potential damage to European industrial employment. Talks were described as in their final phase, with no import threshold or tariff decided.
China rejects EU request for voluntary hybrid-car export curbs
China rejected the EU's request for voluntary curbs on hybrid-car exports on 7 October, Financial Times reported, prompting the Commission to prepare an import cap on Chinese hybrids to address the bloc's trade deficit and pressure on European automakers.
Commission prepares flat corporate tax to fund EU budget and target tech giants
The European Commission is preparing a flat tax on corporations with annual revenues above €100 million to fund the EU budget and capture revenue from American technology firms, aiming to do so without triggering trade retaliation.
Germany and France agree joint push for broader 2035 car-rule relaxation
Handelsblatt reported on 7 October that Chancellor Merz and President Macron agreed to seek a further 10-percentage-point softening of the 2035 car-emission target beyond the Commission's proposed 90% reduction, without equivalent compensation through low-carbon fuels.
EP transport committee postpones vote on softening 2035 car-emission rules
The European Parliament's transport committee postponed a vote on proposals to soften the 2035 combustion-engine restrictions on 6 October. The compromise under discussion would permit around 10% of conventional or alternative-engine sales after 2035, conditional on lower-carbon fuels and compensatory measures.
Ukraine rejects permanent EU agricultural export limits in accession talks
Ukrainian Agriculture Minister Taras Vysotskyi stated on 6 October that Kyiv will accept temporary transition quotas but rejects any permanent restrictions on agricultural exports to the EU, framing the position for upcoming accession negotiations.
Key
Senior EU lawmaker reports Commission plans to scrap 2035 combustion-engine car ban
A senior EU lawmaker indicated on 6 October that the European Commission intends to abandon the effective 2035 ban on new combustion-engine cars, a flagship Green Deal measure. If formalised by Commission proposal and co-legislator approval, this would reverse the EU's central automotive decarbonisation target.
Italy, Germany, Belgium press EU for energy-cost cuts and climate-rule simplification
At a 6 October informal competitiveness meeting, PMs Meloni and De Wever and Chancellor Merz pressed for lower energy costs and regulatory simplification. Italy and Czechia called for easing ETS impact on vulnerable industries and delaying ETS2's launch.
Polish security agency detains five Orlen managers over 2023 price manipulation
Poland's Internal Security Agency detained five current and former Orlen executives on 6 October over alleged artificial fuel-price cuts before the 2023 election, which prosecutors estimate caused 4 billion zlotys in corporate losses.
Von der Leyen announces one-year methane-rule flexibility and refinery dialogue
Von der Leyen told Parliament on 6 October that exporters will get one extra year before methane-import rules take full effect, formalising a delay Jørgensen had previewed. She also launched a strategic dialogue on European refineries and pledged proposals to raise electricity's share of total energy demand.
Polish miners protest in Katowice demanding halt to mine closures
Mining and metallurgy trade unions demonstrated outside the Ministry of Energy in Katowice on 5 October, demanding an end to closures of the Sośnica and Bolesław Śmiały mines and a halt to coal imports.
Commission blocks Poland's 116 million zloty state aid for MAN plant
The European Commission ruled on 5 October 2026 that Poland cannot grant 116 million zlotys in subsidies and tax relief to expand MAN Trucks' plant in Niepołomice, finding the support lacked incentive effect and proportionality. The decision narrows member-state latitude on industrial subsidies.
Germany and France prepare joint push for stronger EU carbon-leakage safeguards
Bloomberg reported on 5 October that Germany and France are preparing a joint initiative urging the Commission to strengthen safeguards against carbon-related costs driving European industries abroad. Spain and Italy are expected to support the proposal.
Britain drafts 45% tariffs on Chinese EVs to align with EU rules
Business Minister Jonathan Reynolds is drafting a 45% tariff package on Chinese electric cars to counter subsidized imports and protect British automakers, aligning with upcoming EU Made in Europe trade regulations.
Report shows EU EV sales at record 1.64 million in January-August
A Transport & Environment study reported on 5 October that EU electric-vehicle sales reached 1.64 million in January through August, up 45% year on year, with EVs holding 22% market share as affordable models expand.
Poland and Romania reject Ukrainian grain-transit funding plea
Poland and Romania rejected Ukraine's request for €1.1 billion in grain-transit funding and expanded corridors during Brussels talks on 4 October, citing saturated transport infrastructure and farmer protections.
Poland cuts fuel VAT to 8%, drawing Commission scrutiny
Poland reduced value-added tax on petrol and diesel to 8% on 3 October, prompting a European Commission review and cross-border fuel sales as German motorists save roughly 40 cents per litre across the border.
Poland targets year-end nuclear EPC contract with Westinghouse and Bechtel
Warsaw confirmed on 3 October its target to finalize an engineering and construction contract with Westinghouse and Bechtel for the Choczewo nuclear plant by late 2026, as surveys showed Polish consumers prioritizing domestic technology sovereignty despite bill concerns.
Renault announces over €10 billion EV investment in France
Renault on 3 October announced plans to invest more than €10 billion in France over five years in electric vehicles and lower-cost cars, bolstering French EV manufacturing capacity amid EU automotive-rule negotiations.
Seventeen EU leaders oppose cuts to agriculture and cohesion in next budget
Seventeen EU leaders submitted a joint letter to the Irish presidency rejecting proposed cuts to regional cohesion and the Common Agricultural Policy in the 2028–2034 MFF. The letter sets a battle line ahead of the October summit between spending defenders and net contributors seeking reductions.
Commission rejects US threat to ban diesel exports to Europe
The Commission on 2 October rejected a US threat to ban diesel exports to Europe, as EU countries weighed a French proposal to release emergency diesel stocks amid rising fuel prices.
Poland launches farm fuel and fertilizer subsidy scheme
Poland opened a farm aid scheme on 1 October 2026, letting farmers apply through the ARiMR electronic portal until 23 October for state subsidies covering diesel and mineral fertilizer purchases made between March and August. The programme targets agricultural cost relief amid sustained high fuel prices.
EU governments and Commission discuss emergency diesel-reserve release with UK
The Commission, France, Italy, and Ireland held discussions with the United Kingdom on 1 October about a possible release of emergency diesel reserves, as fuel prices pressure consumers and industry across the bloc. No release has been agreed.
Italy and Czechia propose carbon-market reform package
On 30 September Italy and the Czech Republic proposed a package to soften EU carbon-price rules, including releasing extra allowances via the Market Stability Reserve, increasing free-allocation flexibility for exposed industries, temporarily reducing carbon-price effects on electricity, and postponing the 2028 ETS2 extension to buildings and road transport.
Parliament votes to extend CBAM and adjust ETS2 reserve
On 30 September MEPs voted to extend CBAM to additional downstream steel and aluminium products, strengthen anti-circumvention rules, and bring forward a temporary decarbonisation fund to 2027. They also approved ETS2 Market Stability Reserve changes to limit price spikes. Both files require negotiations with member states.
Poland submits final 55 billion PLN recovery fund payment request
Poland submitted its ninth and final payment request under the EU recovery fund on 30 September 2026, seeking 55 billion PLN as the Commission prepares to conclude all payouts by year-end. The request closes Poland's participation in the RRF programme.
Polish ministers publicly demand Nawrocki sign fuel windfall tax
Polish cabinet ministers publicly called on President Nawrocki to sign the windfall tax on fuel companies, citing petrol at 8.19 PLN per litre. The levy would fund consumer fuel subsidies through December 2026 if enacted.
Jørgensen signals Commission preparing one-year methane-rule delay
Energy Commissioner Jørgensen said on 30 September the Commission is preparing a one-year postponement of methane-import documentation requirements, describing it as a way to ease pressure on energy markets while maintaining overall climate ambition.
EU energy ministers meet in Dublin on gas-storage and electrification
EU energy ministers meeting in Dublin on 29 September discussed reducing the gas-storage target to 80%, lowering peak consumption, and accelerating electrification amid expectations of elevated oil and gas prices.
Six net contributors demand cuts to proposed €1.98 trillion EU budget
Six net contributor governments including Germany sent a joint letter to the Irish EU presidency demanding cuts of several hundred billion euros from the proposed 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. The move narrows the fiscal space for EU climate and green-industry spending.
US finalizes lower 2031 vehicle fuel economy standard
The Department of Transportation set the 2031 fuel efficiency average at 34.9 mpg, down from 50.4 mpg, projecting $60.6 billion in automaker technology savings. The rollback widens the regulatory asymmetry with EU manufacturers bound by the 2035 ICE phase-out.
European EV sales jump 52% year on year in August
Battery-electric car registrations across Europe rose 52% year on year in August, ACEA reported on 24 September, with German sales up roughly three quarters and French sales more than doubling. The data adds market momentum to the EU's 2035 zero-emission new-car trajectory.
Key
Germany adopts 2045 fossil-fuel exit roadmap
Germany's cabinet approved a 2045 fossil-fuel phase-out roadmap on 23 September, raising the renewable-electricity target to 80% by 2030 and considering moving the coal exit from 2038 to 2035. The plan centres on electrification, heat pumps, and EVs, though Economy Minister Reiche continues to argue for preserving combustion-engine vehicles using alternative fuels.
France asks Commission to temporarily relax EU fuel-quality standards
Macron's 22 September letter requests temporary flexibility on EU fuel-density, desulphurisation, and biofuel-blending requirements, arguing the changes could raise French refinery output 5–20%. He asked that any adjustments be assessed with carmakers to avoid vehicle or infrastructure damage.
France requests one-year delay to EU methane-import rules
France has formally asked the Commission to postpone EU methane-emission requirements on imported fossil fuels by one year, citing energy-supply concerns. The request adds pressure from a founding member state to delay a core Green Deal regulation.
Commission proposes energy and water efficiency label for data centres
The Commission on 21 September proposed an A-to-G energy and water efficiency label for data centres above 500 kW, requiring operators to report metrics to an EU database from 2027 without capping consumption. The Commission frames the label as a precursor to possible mandatory minimum efficiency standards.
Von der Leyen anchors climate agenda in competitiveness frame at State of the Union
Von der Leyen delivered her State of the Union on 16 September, framing climate policy within the Commission's Competitiveness Compass and urging the EU to maintain mitigation ambition while accelerating adaptation after a summer of heatwaves and wildfires. She announced preparation of a climate insurance alliance for catastrophe losses.
Parliament approves CBAM derogation for EU outermost regions
The European Parliament approved a four-year CBAM derogation for EU outermost regions on 15 September, allowing exemption by simple member-state notification without prior Commission authorisation. The text enters trilogue, as Council had envisaged only case-by-case dispensations tied to natural disasters.
Polish cabinet adopts windfall tax on fuel firms to finance retail price relief
Poland's cabinet adopted a revised levy on refinery profits through December 2026 to fund consumer fuel subsidies. The measure revives retail price relief pending President Nawrocki's signature, following the Commission's August rejection of an EU-level windfall tax.
US EPA repeals carbon emission limits for coal and gas power plants
The US EPA finalized a rule dismantling Biden-era carbon caps on coal and gas power plants, citing compliance costs and statutory overreach. The reversal widens the transatlantic regulatory gap that EU industry advocates cite when pressing for ETS2 delays or CBAM adjustments.
Visegrad Four leaders and Irish Taoiseach pledge to veto EU climate rules raising electricity prices
Prime ministers from Poland, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Hungary gathered with Ireland's Micheál Martin at Bratislava Castle on 10 September, pledging to veto European climate rules that raise electricity prices. The coalition complicates the Irish presidency's energy-file agenda.
Von der Leyen announces €200M Greenland clean-energy and minerals package
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a €200 million support package for Greenland's renewables and critical minerals during a 6–7 September visit to Nuuk under the Global Gateway framework. The package ties EU climate spending to Arctic geopolitics and supply security amid US interest in the territory.
Volkswagen approves 100,000-job restructuring and German plant phase-out
Volkswagen approved a restructuring plan to eliminate approximately 100,000 positions globally and end car assembly at four German plants by 2034, reallocating vehicle lines to Central European sites. The restructuring shifts EU automotive production capacity eastward.
Poland's deputy climate minister and chief nature conservator resigns
Poland's deputy climate minister and chief nature conservator Mikołaj Dorożała submitted his resignation on 4 September 2026 amid coalition friction over forestry and hunting policies. The departure removes a senior official from nature policy implementation as EU states work on restoration plans.
Explosives found at German power substation; sabotage probe opened
Bomb disposal units neutralized several homemade explosive devices at the Turnow-Preilack substation near Cottbus on 1 September 2026, and authorities opened a sabotage investigation into the incident.
France levies eco-penalties on Shein and Temu apparel
France began imposing surcharges of up to €12 per garment on ultra-fast fashion platforms including Shein and Temu on 1 September 2026, targeting textile overproduction through fiscal disincentives rather than import bans.
Polish President Nawrocki vetoes environmental appeals and energy grid bills
President Karol Nawrocki vetoed three bills on 28 August, including legislation on environmental appeals procedures and energy grid connection rules, alongside a state school gradebook bill. The vetoes affect Poland's environmental governance and grid development frameworks.
Commission rules out EU-level windfall tax on fossil-fuel profits
The Commission stated on 25 August that a common EU-level windfall-profit tax on fossil-fuel companies is not forthcoming, leaving such measures to national discretion within existing rules. The position responds to a six-state ministerial letter requesting bloc-wide action.
Norway rejects EU-backed Arctic drilling moratorium
Norway's energy minister Terje Aasland said on 24 August that Oslo will continue developing Barents Sea oil and gas regardless of EU support for an Arctic drilling ban. The stance complicates EU efforts to tighten fossil-fuel constraints on key energy partners.
Hungary allocates HUF 500 billion in EU recovery funds for grid and smart meters
Hungary plans to spend nearly 500 billion forints from the EU Recovery and Resilience Facility on electricity grid modernisation and a nationwide smart-meter rollout, advancing EU-backed energy-transition infrastructure.
Hungary restarts Paks nuclear reactor after emergency Danube riverbed construction
Hungary brought Reactor 3 at the Paks nuclear station back online on 23 August after constructing a riverbed sill to raise Danube cooling water levels, with full 2,000-megawatt operation expected by Wednesday. The restart illustrates how drought is forcing emergency infrastructure work to maintain nuclear output.
Six EU states urge bloc-wide windfall tax on oil profits
Ministers from Germany, Italy, Austria, Poland, Portugal, and Spain sent a joint letter to the Irish EU presidency calling for a community-wide tax on soaring oil industry earnings. The initiative adds a new fiscal-pressure track to the EU's energy-cost debate ahead of the autumn Ecofin.
Poland's deposit system hits 3.2 billion containers as ministry drafts expansion
Poland collected 3.2 billion deposit containers through July 2026, and the climate ministry is drafting legislation to extend voucher validity and add single-use glass to the scheme. The move deepens implementation of EU packaging-waste rules at national level.
Poland adopts draft special act to accelerate Baltic ports, rail, and nuclear infrastructure
On 18 August 2026, Poland's Council of Ministers adopted a draft bill establishing expedited administrative procedures for seaport expansions, rail corridors, flood defenses, and nuclear power plant access works. The legislation aims to accelerate critical energy and transport infrastructure by cutting permitting timelines.
EU Commission adopts note allowing Stability Pact derogations for energy-security spending
On 17 August 2026 the Commission adopted a note permitting governments to invoke a national safeguard clause for limited Stability Pact derogations covering grid upgrades, charging infrastructure, heat pumps, household solar, and efficiency renovations, up to 0.6% of GDP cumulatively through 2028 within a 1.5% cap shared with defence. EV purchase subsidies are excluded; Ecofin must approve detailed cost lists.
Swedish union IF Metall ends Tesla strike after buyout
Sweden's metalworkers' union IF Metall announced it was ending its three-year labor dispute with Tesla after the carmaker paid all remaining striking union members to leave the company, concluding the longest such conflict in modern Swedish history.
Poland's PM Tusk revives CPN fuel price program with VAT cut
Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced a temporary reduction of VAT on fuels from 23% to 8% for the period of August 17 to 31. This measure is expected to lower pump prices by approximately 0.90 to over 1 złoty per liter during the final two weeks of summer holidays.
EU packaging rules begin applying
The EU's new packaging rules, including limits on PFAS in food-contact packaging and phased-in recyclability, recycled-content, and labelling requirements, officially began applying today. This marks a step in the implementation of the bloc's circular economy objectives.
Poland's Finance Minister freezes 1 billion złoty subsidy for Elemental Holding
Poland's Finance Minister Domański froze a 1 billion złoty subsidy for Elemental Holding and ordered special oversight, following a TVN investigation alleging the company falsified waste transports and documents to claim recycling funds.
Key
European Commission approves 7.9 billion euro KPO payment to Poland
The European Commission has positively assessed Poland's payment request for 7.9 billion euro from the National Recovery Plan. The funds are expected to reach Poland in October after conditions, including laptop vouchers for over 500,000 teachers, were met.
German states suspend Sunday truck driving ban
Several German states temporarily suspended the Sunday and holiday truck driving ban to shift freight from drought-stricken rivers to roads, drawing praise from industry and criticism from environmentalists and opposition parties.
EU Commission to review impact of Parliament-approved decarbonisation amendments
The EU Commission will assess the effect of amendments approved by the European Parliament to the decarbonisation law, confirming the current phase focuses on testing and implementing revised climate rules.
Key
Polish Senate rejects President Nawrocki's EU climate referendum for second time
The Polish Senate voted to reject President Karol Nawrocki's request for a nationwide referendum on EU climate policy, blocking the initiative for the second time. The referendum was planned for 27 September 2026.
US President Trump signed executive order imposing 15% tariffs on polysilicon imports
US President Donald Trump signed an executive order imposing 15% tariffs on imported polysilicon derivatives and established a price floor, citing national security concerns about Chinese dumping in the solar panel and semiconductor supply chain.
Key
RWE exits US offshore wind market, redirects funds to gas projects
German energy giant RWE has agreed to surrender all three of its US offshore wind leases for a $1.22 billion settlement with the Interior Department. The company will redirect these funds into LNG and natural gas plants, aligning with the Trump administration's ongoing campaign against offshore wind.
Key
Romania's Senate passes amendments to energy and biodiversity laws
Romania's Senate adopted PSD-backed amendments to the decarbonization law and biodiversity strategy, triggering warnings from ministers and the president about a potential loss of up to €6 billion in EU recovery funds.
Poland's government removes free tap water rule from bill
Poland's government has backtracked on a plan to require restaurants to serve free tap water, removing the provision from a packaging waste bill just days before its scheduled implementation. A coalition minister immediately pledged to advocate for its reinstatement.
Poland's July inflation rises to 3.0% as fuel prices surge
Poland's annual Consumer Price Index increased to 3.0% in July from 2.5% in June, primarily due to a 13.9% monthly jump in fuel prices after the government's CPN subsidy ended and Brent crude prices rose.
Spain records hottest July on record amid widespread wildfires
Spain experienced its hottest July on record, with climate change-driven heatwaves fueling unprecedented wildfires across multiple regions. This intensifies pressure on EU institutions to balance climate ambition with flexible implementation of Green Deal rules.
CPK board dismisses CEO and deputy as Port Polska project prepares for construction
The supervisory board of Centralny Port Komunikacyjny dismissed president Filip Czernicki and board member Dariusz Kuś, appointing Marcin Michalski as interim leader. This leadership change occurs as the Port Polska megaproject prepares to break ground in September.
EU civil protection authorities outline wildfire climate-adaptation priorities
The EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre has detailed new wildfire climate-adaptation priorities, noting a shift in risk across southern and central Europe. This includes calls for reinforced early warning systems, increased cross-border firefighting capacity, and improved forest management.
PiS MP Piotr Uściński joins 'Development Plus' association
PiS MP Piotr Uściński joined Mateusz Morawiecki's 'Development Plus' association, deepening the internal party split after 44 members were referred to disciplinary action for failing to declare non-membership in other associations.
Mateusz Morawiecki resigns as ECR party president
Former Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki resigned as president of the European Conservatives and Reformists party, following his expulsion from Poland's Law and Justice party over a dispute concerning his political association.
Polish consumer watchdog opens proceedings against Columbus Energy
The Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) has initiated proceedings against Columbus Energy, a seller of heat pumps and photovoltaic systems, citing issues with contract clarity and refund delays.
PiS nominates Marcin Ociepa for Deputy Marshal
The Law and Justice (PiS) party nominated Marcin Ociepa for Deputy Marshal of the Sejm, ending a 33-month vacancy in the position. This move concludes a standoff that began in November 2023.
Poland's Prime Minister considers reintroducing regulated fuel prices
Poland's Prime Minister stated that regulated fuel prices might be reintroduced for the final two weeks of the summer holidays if crude oil prices spike, following the president's block of a windfall tax intended to fund price reductions.
Polish President Nawrocki reviews fuel windfall tax
Polish President Karol Nawrocki initiated a preventive review of a fuel windfall tax law, leading to a political dispute with Prime Minister Tusk and Finance Minister Domański, who stated 4 billion złoty in revenue is now blocked.
Key
Polish President Nawrocki refers fuel windfall tax to Constitutional Tribunal
Polish President Karol Nawrocki referred the government’s windfall tax on fuel companies to the Constitutional Tribunal, preventing its entry into force and triggering political tension with the Prime Minister.
Polish President Nawrocki approves animal welfare amendment
Polish President Karol Nawrocki approved an amendment banning the permanent tethering of dogs and cats, a year after vetoing an earlier version. The new law also sets minimum standards for outdoor dog pens and kennels.
ECB holds interest rates at 2.25%
The European Central Bank maintained its deposit rate at 2.25%, citing that the full inflationary impact of the Middle East conflict and rising oil prices has not yet materialized. This decision reflects ongoing economic caution.
Polish President Nawrocki files second EU climate referendum request
Polish President Karol Nawrocki submitted a second formal request to the Sejm for a nationwide referendum on the EU Green Deal. The new question asks if citizens favor Poland implementing the EU's climate policy.