News
First thematic report: decarbonisation of buildings and road transport in CEE countries
Decarbonising the buildings and road transport (DBRT) sectors remains a major challenge, requiring both significant investment and behavioural change. To accelerate progress, the EU will introduce a new Emissions Trading System (ETS2) in 2027, covering fuel combustion in buildings, road transport, and small industries not included in the existing EU ETS. While ETS2 will raise […]
Would ETS2 Hurt the Economy?
by Orsolya Keményffy and András Lukács(Clean Air Action Group, Hungary)Photo by Ferenc Susánszky, Clean Air Action Group Several governments have begun advocating for the postponement of ETS2, the EU’s new emissions trading system that covers buildings and road transport. This paper argues that ETS2 is essential not only for climate action but also for modernising […]
Monthly National Update: September
In September, progress on climate-related issues was mixed across the region. In Hungary, the government extended tradable energy efficiency certificates (EECs) to households, which could impact 120,000–150,000 households through almost free energy efficiency renovations. However, debates over the allocation of funds for climate targets versus security spending increased, and the vote on key amendments to […]
Slovenia’s new climate law: EU-compliant but too little for a rapid and fair transition
Authors: Jonas Sonnenschein & Ajda Cafun (Umanotera) Ljubljana, 12.09.2025 – The first Slovenian climate law came into force in August 2025. The law transposes central EU legislation into national law but misses to set the course towards a rapid and fair transition towards climate neutrality. The adoption of the law in July marked the end […]
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 […]
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 […]
Everyone must be compensated when fossil fuel prices rise
Author of article is András Lukács, the President of the Clean Air Action Group in Hungary in the framework of the project Climate Fair Monitor. Only Sweden submitted its plan for the Social Climate Fund by the June 20 deadline. This is worrying because the fund is intended to help households, which will have to pay more for heating and […]
Monthly National Update: June
In June, Social Climate Plan (SCP) processes progressed unevenly across countries. While some governments released drafts and initiated consultations, several failed to meaningfully involve civil society. Limited transparency and rushed timelines were recurring concerns, with NGOs raising the alarm over inadequate public participation and lack of support for vulnerable groups—particularly renters. Despite political instability and […]
Monthly National Update: May
With the summer deadline for Social Climate Plans (SCPs) fast approaching, the picture across Europe remains mixed. While some governments are finalising their drafts, few have opened them up for real public input. In many cases, civil society organisations are stepping in to ask the questions that still need answers—especially around fairness, transparency, and who […]
Monthly National Update: April
In April, developments across the seven monitored countries reflected a cautious pace in advancing national preparations for ETS2 and the Social Climate Plans (SCPs). While some technical work continues behind the scenes, formal progress remains uneven—often shaped by national elections, interim governments, or complex administrative coordination. In several cases, legislative steps have been delayed or […]