Monthly National Update: July

In July, the project countries saw important developments around ETS2, SCP, NECPs, and public funding. The Hungarian government officially confirmed that it will not implement ETS2, while partners from Clean Air Action Group prepared publications and continued coordination with both the EC and local partners. In Latvia, the Cabinet of Ministers approved the NSCP on July 2nd, with NGOs reacting to the lack of public consultation and preparing to push for proper monitoring mechanisms and involvement in implementation.

In Slovenia, parliament adopted the country’s first national Climate Law, though NGOs had to fight until the last moment to secure stronger provisions, including a phase-out of fossil fuel subsidies. Work also continued on shaping the new program for the national climate fund, where questions remain about industry financing and overlaps with the SCF. The SCP remains on hold until autumn, with NGOs preparing input for the upcoming consultation and considering legal action against the government on both the Climate Law and the lignite power plant law.

In Bulgaria, experts continued to wait for a political decision on ETS2. Public consultations on the SCP closed, with another informal round expected in early autumn. In Romania, no official positions were communicated on ETS2 or SCP, but the new government introduced tough fiscal measures and lifted electricity subsidies, both of which hit low-income households hardest. Corruption in the forestry sector was also exposed, with major restructuring proposed. NGOs monitored these changes, shared information, and started preparing policy proposals.

Overall, July was marked by governments moving forward with national climate and energy planning (sometimes without adequate consultation), uncertainties around ETS2 implementation, and significant NGO activity to influence processes, provide evidence, and push for stronger public involvement.

Photo: Unsplash/Peter Avramoski