August brought important developments for both the implementation and future direction of European climate policy. Across Central and Eastern Europe, governments continued working on Social Climate Plans, EU funding and energy policy, but progress remained uneven. At the same time, concerns over energy affordability, economic competitiveness and energy security continued to shape national debates. At […]
Developments across Central and Eastern Europe in June highlighted the growing contrast between countries making gradual progress on ETS2 implementation and Social Climate Plans (SCPs), and those where political priorities or institutional uncertainty continue to slow preparations. At the same time, governments increasingly turned their attention to wider energy security and public funding issues, while […]
Political developments across Central and Eastern Europe continue to shape the implementation of climate and energy policies, particularly regarding ETS2, Social Climate Plans (SCPs), national recovery funding, and preparations for the next EU budget cycle. Several countries in the region have recently experienced political transitions. In Hungary, a new government took office in May, prioritising […]
Recent political developments across Central and Eastern Europe are increasingly shaping the future of climate and energy policy, particularly around ETS2, Social Climate Plans (SCPs), and public funding priorities. In Hungary, the opposition TISZA party led by Péter Magyar won the parliamentary elections with a constitutional majority, ending Viktor Orbán’s 16-year period in power. The […]
March developments across partner countries were strongly influenced by elections, rising energy prices, and ongoing debates around ETS2, with governments and civil society responding in different ways. In Hungary, the pre-election period ahead of 12 April has intensified political focus on fuel price caps, energy security, and affordability. Civil society has remained active through policy […]
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 […]
As 2025 ends, preparations for the Social Climate Fund (SCF) and the Emissions Trading System 2 (ETS2) continue to shape climate policy discussions across the region. Several countries are revising their Social Climate Plans in response to feedback from the European Commission, though specifics of these adjustments often remain undisclosed, keeping civil society organizations vigilant […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]