Strategic Perspectives

Tonight, the European Council adopted conclusions on how to support the achievement of the EU’s intermediate climate target for 2040.

Read the full reactions by @lindakalcher.bsky.social and @neilmakaroff.bsky.social in our press release 👇

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The recipe of a political package on 2040 | Strategic Perspectives As EU leaders debate a 2040 climate target, the focus shifts to securing economic and social conditions for a 90% reduction.

EU leaders meet this week to debate competitiveness and the 2040 climate target.

In their latest blog, @lindakalcher.bsky.social and @neilmakaroff.bsky.social look at what’s on the EUCO menu, and what it means for industrial growth and energy security👇

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EU’s Global Vision and Mediterranean Pact | Strategic Perspectives The European Commission’s publication “Global Vision on Energy and Climate Diplomacy” comes at a pivotal moment. As global competition and geopolitical uncertainty intensify, the European Union can be...

The European Commission released two timely publications today: its Global Vision on Energy and Climate Diplomacy and the Pact for the Mediterranean.

Read more in our press release 👇
strategicperspectives.eu/eus-global-v...

Opportunities for Enhanced EU Diplomacy in the Mediterranean | Strategic Perspectives The Mediterranean offers the EU new opportunities for energy diplomacy, industrial cooperation, and cleaner, more secure energy partnerships.

🔎The Mediterranean’s role in the #energytransition

A new @strategiceu.bsky.social report shows how the New Pact for the Mediterranean & the Trans-Mediterranean Energy & Clean Tech Initiative can encourage clean energy diplomacy in the region.

👉Read the full report: tinyurl.com/2sbvxxh5

Expectations for the EU’s new global vision | Strategic Perspectives Explore five key expectations for the EU’s new global vision ahead of COP30, from energy diplomacy and supply resilience to TeamEurope partnerships and coordinated Commission action.

The EU’s new global vision on energy and climate diplomacy offers a chance to redefine its global role, linking competitiveness, resilience and partnerships that deliver real outcomes.

Read the analysis by Anne-Sophie Cerisola and @lindakalcher.bsky.social.

strategicperspectives.eu/expectations...

First major test for Chancellor Merz's claim to European leadership Sie können besser entscheiden, weil Sie besser informiert sind – das ist das Ziel von Table.Briefings. Mit dem Informationsvorsprung zum Wettbewerbsvorteil.

The #EUCO debate on 2040 will be the first major test for Chancellor Merz’s ambitions as EU leader. He was decisive to allow for leaders to provide "guidance". Now it's up to him and Macron to ensure that ministers can adopt the target afterwards.
My piece in @table.media table.media/en/europe/op...

Competitiveness Council: key debate on 2040 industrial conditions | Strategic Perspectives Ministers have the opportunity to discuss what industrial policies and incentives are necessary to scale up strategic industries.

At next week’s Competitiveness Council, ministers can send a clear signal that competitiveness and climate neutrality go hand in hand if the right tools are in place.

More in the latest blog by @neilmakaroff.bsky.social and @tristan-beucler.bsky.social 👇

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In March 2025, the EU launched talks on its first Clean Trade and Investment Partnership ( #CTIPs) with South Africa.

💡CTIPs aim to align EU external action with industrial policy, support clean energy cooperation and offer a flexible tool to complement trade deals.

🔗 Read more: bit.ly/3IAHeyt

Joint letter: All hands on deck for the just and equitable energy transition The world is transitioning faster than ever towards clean energy. Last year alone, global spending hit a record $2tn, with $2 invested in clean energy for every $1 in fossil fuels, according to the In

At the start of UNGA, a joint letter by 20 leaders signals a willingness to align efforts to achieve a just and equitable transition.

The EU's commitment is a good sign, but concrete outcomes should follow on the way to COP30 and beyond.

Joint letter 👇
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...

Press conference following the Environment Council 👇
video.consilium.europa.eu/event/en/28096

The EU will not submit its NDC ahead of the deadline next week.

"The statement of intent is a hard-fought consolation prize, but it allows the EU to speak with one voice at the General Assembly next week," commented @lindakalcher.bsky.social.

Full quote 👇

The EU is set to miss the second NDC submission deadline next week.

Failure to have 2035 and 2040 targets ready before COP30 could weaken other countries' ambition, as they could use the EU as an excuse for their own inaction, said @lindakalcher.bsky.social.

More 👇
www.reuters.com/sustainabili...

How Macron joined the climate bad guys club The French president has joined Poland, Italy and Hungary to stall discussions ahead of the COP30 climate conference in November.

Macron has joined Poland, Italy and Hungary to stall the discussions on the EU's 2040 target.

"France is now putting itself in a dangerous position and running the risk of not reaching an ambitious agreement," commented our Director @neilmakaroff.bsky.social.

More 👇
www.politico.eu/article/emma...

Prof #Draghi follows with a series of stark warnings:
- Europe’s dependencies theaten us,
- without growth, difficult to support ageing society or address #climate change.

One year on, it got worse:
- US tougher on trade,
- China became a stronger competitor, trade surplus up 20% in last year.

A year after his famous report, Mario #Draghi takes stock: "Europe is in a harder place. Inaction is threatening our sovereignty".

He rings the alarm bell: limited reforms have been agreed/launched, investment has decreased, and dependencies come at a high price.

Statement from the Coalition for Higher Ambition urging to agree on an ambitious EU 2040 domestic emissions reduction target and NDC - CAN Europe Ahead of the September ENV Council (18th) and ENVI Committee vote (23rd), the Coalition for Higher Ambition, an alliance of European business, major city networks and regional governments and civil…

⏰ This week EU Environment Ministers should have been deciding on the #2040Target, but some governments have now secured further delays!

Citizens, local authorities and businesses are calling on Europe to deliver ambition, not water it down.

Read more 👉 caneurope.org/hac-sept-2025/
#ClimateAction

"To safeguard Europe’s competitiveness and resilience, the bloc must deepen its drive toward decarbonisation. Adopting the EU’s 90% CO2 reduction target will ensure European companies thrive in global markets for decades to come."

EXPLAINER: What the EU is going to contribute to the global climate effort Either way, the UK’s 81% pledge will make the bloc look bad

EXPLAINER: What the EU is going to contribute to the global climate effort

L'UE n'arrive pas à trancher sur son objectif climatique avant la COP30 À quelques semaines de la COP30, les 27 se divisent sur leur objectif de réduction des émissions de gaz à effet de serre en 2040. Voici pourquoi.

“La France ne peut pas être à l'origine d'un blocage institutionnel sur le climat”.

En repoussant la discussion au niveau du Conseil européen, la France risque de donner un poids démesuré à ceux qui veulent bloquer toute politique climatique. 👇

www.latribune.fr/climat/energ...

We are happy to announce that Norbert Gorißen has joined Strategic Perspectives as a Senior Fellow.

With more than two decades at the heart of German and European climate diplomacy, Norbert brings deep expertise and a unique network to our team.

Join us in welcoming him!

Europe’s car industry gains from strong CO₂ standards.

European preference in lead markets can support investment in EVs, protect jobs across the continent, and keep market share in Europe instead of shifting it to China.

2025 State of the Union Address by President von der Leyen President von der Leyen delivered the first State of the Union Address of the 2024-2029 Commission.

The European Commission is still not taking its potential for innovation and energy independence seriously.

The path for a more independent Europe begins with bold proposals to support strategic industries, not timid steps.

Full #SOTEU speech 👇
ec.europa.eu/commission/p...

On industry, President von der Leyen gave an honest assessment of Europe’s geopolitical and industrial challenges, says our Director, @neilmakaroff.bsky.social.

However, that might not be enough.

"Von der Leyen talks about the need to lower energy prices for competitiveness, but her actions could easily provoke the opposite,” commented our Executive Director, @lindakalcher.bsky.social.

The lack of reference to any electrification is not a good signal.

Ursula von der Leyen delivered her first #SOTEU address of her second term. Europe’s independence, security, and competitiveness were key priorities of the speech.

But the question remains how the proposals communicated today will be implemented in the following months.

More 👇

State of the European Union | Strategic Perspectives European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will deliver the first State of the European Union address of her second term this Wednesday.

Ursula von der Leyen will deliver the first #SOTEU of her second term tomorrow.

Energy security, reindustrialisation, and stronger international partnerships are expected to remain high on the Commission's agenda.

Read more in our latest blog 👇
strategicperspectives.eu/state-of-the...

The 90% emissions reduction target for 2040 is key for Europe’s international credibility and industrial revival.

The benefits are clear:
🔹€91b annually saved on imports
🔹2 million new jobs in net-zero industries
🔹stronger global standing.

The 90% emissions reduction target for 2040 is key for Europe’s international credibility and industrial revival.

The benefits are clear:
🔹€91b annually saved on imports
🔹2 million new jobs in net-zero industries
🔹stronger global standing.

Households and businesses want lower energy prices. The 90% climate target for 2040 can help achieve that.

Energy bills could drop by two-thirds by 2035, increasing social cohesion and competitiveness for Europe.

More by @aymerickouam.bsky.social 👇

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Energy Council: time to advance Clean Electrification in the EU | Strategic Perspectives EU Energy Ministers face a decision: reinforce dependence on imported fossil fuels or build an economy electrification and clean energy.

By 2040, half of #EU #energy can be electrified, cutting fossil imports and boosting competitiveness. The Informal Energy Council meeting offers a chance to put clean #electrification at the heart of Europe’s energy future. @strategiceu.bsky.social
👇
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