Monthly National Update: August
In August developments across the project countries continued to center on ETS2, the Social Climate Plans (SCPs), NECP updates, and national climate laws. While some governments advanced processes, consultations and decision-making often remained fragmented or delayed. Several parliaments and ministries were active on climate legislation, but positions on the EU 2040 climate law target remained divided, with some governments explicitly stating they will not support it. Public deficits and fiscal constraints in a number of countries raised concerns over the real availability of funds to match the EU’s Social Climate Fund allocations.
Civil society groups worked to keep the SCP process open and inclusive. In some cases, NGOs engaged directly with ministries and state chanceries to push for meaningful public participation, securing promises for monitoring bodies, though follow-through remains uncertain. Elsewhere, informal communications on SCP design dominated, with NGOs sharing proposals on energy communities, transport measures, and other elements of fair transition. Media outreach also played a role, especially social media updates and articles.
At the same time, NECP updates were published in several countries, though often not yet formally adopted, leaving open questions about alignment between climate and energy planning and SCP measures. Climate laws advanced in some places, setting long-term targets and transposing ETS2 provisions, while in others the debates remained politically contested. Across the region, NGOs continued to coordinate with one another and with broader civic networks, feeding into joint reports, developing advocacy toolkits, and preparing for workshops and conferences on fair transition.
At EU level, the conversation was marked by uncertainty around ETS2 implementation, with some member states openly resisting or delaying transposition. More national SCPs are being submitted to the Commission, supported by new tracking tools that allow comparison across countries. The reform of the Market Stability Reserve (MSR2) also drew attention, as NGOs mobilised to resist weakening measures that could reduce ETS2 prices and undermine ambition. Networks provided explainers, advocacy letters, and outreach to MEPs, while continuing to push for strong provisions on SCP participation and additionality.
Overall, August highlighted both the progress and fragility of climate and social policy processes: governments are moving ahead with laws and plans, but fiscal constraints, political reluctance, and weak consultation threaten their credibility. NGOs remain at the forefront, ensuring that public voices are heard, monitoring national and EU developments, and building joint strategies to safeguard ETS2 and the Social Climate Fund as tools for a fair transition.
Photo: Unsplash
