Across Europe, calls to slow down or weaken climate policies are gaining momentum. At the same time, evidence demonstrates that these policies are good for the economy and for the citizens. As ETS2 (the new emission trading system for buildings and road transport) and the use of its revenues move closer to implementation, the challenge […]
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 July showed how energy security, extreme weather, and concerns over energy prices are increasingly influencing discussions around climate policy. While some countries moved forward with Social Climate Plan (SCP) preparations and access to EU funding, political resistance to ETS2 remained strong in parts of the region. At the […]
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 […]
New thematic report examines how Central and Eastern European countries can prepare for the introduction of ETS2 and the Social Climate Fund (SCF). The report analyses key risks, opportunities and policy recommendations across Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania and Slovenia. ETS2 will extend carbon pricing to buildings and road transport, while the Social Climate Fund […]
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 […]
As the 2026 begins, NGOs across the region emphasized inclusive public participation, transparent monitoring, and coalition-building to maintain momentum for climate and social policies amid election-driven uncertainties and fiscal challenges. In Hungary, the government intensified its election campaign by legally challenging the EU’s decision to phase out Russian oil and gas imports. Meanwhile, the Clean […]
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 October, project countries experienced growing political uncertainty around ETS2, SCPs, and wider climate policymaking. In Hungary, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán publicly stated that the country “does not need EU money” and would instead rely on US financial support, while large amounts of public spending continued to push the budget into significant deficit ahead of […]