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The carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) is being implemented to create a level playing field on carbon pricing of specific goods within the EU single market. For CBAM-covered goods, free allowances under the EU′s emissions trading system (ETS) will be progressively phased out by 2034. With the phase-out of free allowances in CBAM-covered goods, EU operators producing goods for export will be at a disadvantage in markets without similar carbon pricing. The European Commission is proposing a ...

The amendment to the European Climate Law introduces an intermediate climate target for 2040. The provisional agreement with the Council was approved by ENVI on 19 January 2026, and the plenary vote on the amendments – including the binding 90 % net emissions reduction target for 2040, compared to 1990, and a capped potential contribution of international carbon credits toward meeting this target – is scheduled for the February session.

Timely, cost-efficient expansion and modernisation of the European energy infrastructure is one of the key challenges in the EU's ongoing energy transition. Grid development is needed to ensure energy supply security, increase the resilience of Europe's energy system and integrate the rapid roll-out of renewable energy sources. Cross border infrastructure plays a vital role in connecting national energy networks. Meeting the 2030 interconnection targets is particularly important for completing the ...

Expansion and modernisation of the energy infrastructure in Member States is one of the key challenges of the ongoing energy transition in the EU. The electricity grids need to develop in order to ensure the security of energy supply, increase the resilience of Europe's energy system, and integrate the rapid roll-out of renewable energy sources, particularly at the distribution level. Given the peristent challenges relating to permit-granting procedures and delays in grid connection approvals at ...

This study provides an overview of the EU policy instruments, including Cohesion Policy Funds, that are used in natural disaster response and recovery. It assesses their contribution to strengthening resilience to climate change and to meeting disaster-relief and reconstruction needs. The study also examines how the ‘Build Back Better’ approach can be integrated into future Cohesion Policy to ensure that disaster-affected areas are rebuilt in a more resilient and sustainable manner. Recommendations ...

Starting in 2026, the EU will address the future of the European emissions trading system (EU ETS). The existing ETS (ETS1) aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from industrial and energy installations, aircraft operators and maritime transport by setting a price on carbon through a cap-and-trade system, while a separate ETS for road transport, buildings and other sectors (ETS2) will start operating in 2028. The ETS1 succeeded in reducing the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of the covered sectors ...

This is the tenth edition of an annual EPRS paper aimed at identifying and framing many of the key issues and policy areas that will feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the European Union over the coming year. The topics analysed encompass, the next long term EU budget, Ukraine's integration into the EU, defence, EU-China relations, the impact of artificial intelligence on the web, the potential of startup companies, irregular migration, climate policy, action for ...

In the 10 years since the adoption of the Paris Agreement, the Parties to the agreement have achieved a lot of progress in response to climate change. A Loss and Damage Fund was established in 2022. Rules for international carbon trading have been established under Article 6 of the agreement. A new goal for climate finance was agreed in 2024. The COP30 climate conference in November 2025 adopted indicators for climate adaptation and agreed to triple adaptation finance. The first global stocktake ...

The 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change took place from 10 to 21 November 2025 in Belém, Brazil, and was prolonged by one day to 22 November. Key outcomes include new initiatives to support implementation and ambition, a set of indicators for climate adaptation, and a call for the tripling of adaptation finance.

From 10 to 21 November 2025, the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) will take place in Belém, Brazil. The COP is the main international conference that addresses the global response to climate change under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Representatives from almost 200 Parties will discuss ways of mitigating climate change, adapting to its impacts and supporting developing countries in their efforts. The full study provides an overview of the status of international ...