The European Commission got the go-ahead from member states on 15 June to update the benchmarks used to allocate free emission allowances under the ETS carbon market. But to secure countries’ approval, the EU executive promised a swift redraft of the two most controversial values — and seemingly yielded to calls for retroactive application.

Half-empty chambers and late-night debates have become a familiar feature of European Parliament plenary sessions. From 15 June, lawmakers will test reforms designed to make debates more engaging and strengthen scrutiny of the European Commission.

The battle over the EU’s next seven-year budget is entering a more political phase. The Council presidency’s opening offer would trim the Commission’s proposal by just 2%, frustrating fiscally conservative member states. Cuts are concentrated on competitiveness and foreign-policy programmes, rather than farm or regional spending.

Amid twin threats from Russia and Iran, the Commission is planning to update its security of energy supply laws for an age of geopolitical uncertainty. Technical questions about physical and cyber attacks, stockpiling, and gas storage will fit into a wider political battle over the energy transition.

The Commission’s plan to extend its carbon border levy is proving more controversial than expected. While many industries want the protection from foreign competition it affords, few want to be the ones just outside the perimeter who could end up footing the bill.

The Commission has vowed not to reopen its landmark 2024 rules aiming to curb the greenhouse gas — though pressure to do so from the US and fossil fuel producers has only intensified following the Iran war. Brussels’ alternative, ‘pragmatic’ approach of tweaking reporting and penalties has left few happy.

As commissioners prepare for a closed-door discussion on EU–China relations on 29 May, signs are mounting that Brussels could take a tougher stance on trade policy. Despite previous persistent reluctance from some member states, the EU executive appears ready to take action.

The EU Commission says it’s gaining buy-in and realism by including business in decision-making. Despite a flurry of high-level meetings and promises to bring business into EU policymaking, many industry representatives say its corporate outreach remains heavy on optics and light on results.

Contexte answers your key questions about the deal the EU struck with its largest trading partner — from tariffs and political pressure to what still needs to happen before it can enter into force.

Faced with surging energy costs and electoral pressures, Italy is pushing for looser EU budget constraints. The Italian prime minister will have to balance fiscal credibility with growing domestic demands.

A proposal to give the Commission powers to centralise planning has become the most controversial element of a December bill to boost Europe’s power grids. Transmission operators are wary of Brussels encroaching on their terrain, while others cite concerns over transparency and governance.