Monthly National Update: February
Across Latvia, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovenia, and Romania, progress on key EU climate and social policy instruments—particularly ETS2, Social Climate Plans (SCPs), and NECPs—remains uneven and closely tied to national political and funding dynamics.
In Latvia, preparations continue, but a notable policy shift is underway as Green Public Procurement moves from mandatory to voluntary criteria. Civil society is pushing back, advocating for minimum requirements while also preparing to engage in the development of the National Building Renovation Plan through 2026.
In Bulgaria, developments around the Social Climate Plan are on hold pending parliamentary elections in April 2026. The European Commission’s feedback on the revised plan has been shared with civil society, which remains actively engaged—highlighted by discussions with MEP Tsvetelina Penkova and efforts to involve the banking sector in ensuring transparency and accountability.
Poland continues to lag behind, with both the NECP and SCP still not adopted and strong political opposition to ETS2. Civil society organizations are maintaining pressure, including through a joint letter opposing further delays and new work examining anti-ecological subsidies for local road construction.
In Slovenia, while key plans remain pending, public investment in sustainable transport is increasing. Civil society is focusing heavily on the national elections, advocating for fair road charging and raising awareness of social climate issues, alongside calls to reduce subsidies for the lignite power plant TEŠ-6.
Romania is undergoing significant restructuring of EU funds, with ongoing negotiations around the national recovery plan. Civil society efforts are centered on monitoring these developments and preparing to engage in future consultations on the Social Climate Plan.
Across all countries, common priorities are emerging: improving transparency in climate funding, responding to rising energy prices, advancing fair implementation of ETS2, and strengthening cooperation on the upcoming EU budget (MFF). As political timelines and policy uncertainties continue to shape progress, coordinated civil society action remains critical to ensuring a just and effective climate transition.
Photo: Amy Singh/Unsplash
