In a 27th January press release, EDF promoted its energy transition initiatives in Andorra, however, it did not state a clear position on its definition of 'low-carbon energy' and promoted ‘cogeneration’ which likely includes fossil gas.
In a 27th January press release, EDF promoted its energy transition initiatives in Andorra, however, it did not state a clear position on its definition of 'low-carbon energy' and promoted ‘cogeneration’ which likely includes fossil gas.
A January 25th Euractiv article reported that the Director General of Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe) publicly criticized the French government’s decision to ban domestic flights where a short train journey was possible, calling it “ridiculous”. The Managing Director of Airlines for Europe (A4E) also accused politicians of making a “political gesture” with the flight ban, which is “actually not going to do anything about reducing CO2 emissions”.
As reported by Responsible Investor in January 2023, Commerzbank has argued against the new proposed rules by the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) for ESG-related names for funds in the EU.
In a 20th January press release, Naturgy advocated in favor of long-term fossil gas contracts to stabilize the energy crisis.
In a joint letter to EU Parliament on 17th January, Corporate Leaders Group advocated for an ambitious EU Parliament position on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive ahead of its vote on 6 February.
In several December 2022 tweets, SolarPower Europe supported the EU's emergency regulation to accelerate renewables permitting and a 45% renewables target in the EU by 2030.
In a 1st December Italian parliamentary hearing, Confindustria advocated for a derogation on emissions limits to maximize switching between fossil gas and other fossil fuels. In a 31st December position paper, the association welcomed an amendment in line with this, which was approved by the Italian government.
In a tweet posted on 15th December, Eurelectric supported the European Parliament vote on the Renewable Energy Directive (RED IV).
In a joint statement on 12th December, members of the CEO Alliance including Schneider Electric, Volkswagen, Iberdrola, Enel and E.On strongly advocated for policymakers to focus on the urgent decarbonization of the EU energy mix with fossil-free electrification, reducing gas demand and phasing out fossil fuel imports. They also supported scaling up energy efficiency measures and accelerating renewable energy permitting.
In a press release on 15 December, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer stressed the impacts of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and EU Emissions Trading System Reform on the competitiveness of EU industry before the policy trilogues. He also supported export rebates in the CBAM and a gradual application until the mid-2030s, and supported a slower rebasing of the EU ETS emissions cap, and advocated for the EU ETS for road transport and buildings to include private households.
In a 28th November joint letter, Eurogas, GasNaturally, Gas Distributors for Sustainability, and Gas Infrastructure Europe called for the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive to widen its scope and include thermal power technologies, including fossil gas. Alongside this, the groups advocated for greater technological flexibility, and all forms of renewable technologies to be included in the definition of net zero energy buildings.
On 7th December in a joint letter directly to EU policymakers on the hydrogen market, EU industry associations including Eurofer, European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), CEMBUREAU, Eurogas, Hydrogen Europe, and the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers advocated to weaken the proposed Renewable Energy Directive delegated acts on the additionality principle and on the GHG emissions of renewable fuels of non-biological origin and recycled carbon fuels.
In December 2022, a group of cross-sector organizations including Maersk, Siemens, PepsiCo and AVERE signed a joint letter urging the European Commission to set a 2035 100% zero-emission heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) sales target in the EU. It also called for a CO2 reduction target of 65% by 2030 and an intermediate target of 30% in 2027, as well as ambitious and binding infrastructure targets in the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) in the short-term.
In a tweet from 23rd November, SolarPower Europe supported the EU’s suggested emergency regulation to accelerate deployment of renewable energies.
In a December 5th Trade Winds article, International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) Secretary General, Guy Platten, reportedly described the EU’s inclusion of maritime in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) as “interesting” and stated that “to solve the global climate crisis, global solutions are needed”. However, according to Trade Winds, Platen also hoped that the EU’s momentum on climate policy would be adopted at the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which will hold its 79th Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) this December.
In a November 30th press release, the World Shipping Council (WSC) appeared supportive of the EU’s inclusion of maritime in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS), advocated for a global carbon price to be established at the IMO’s 79th MEPC and urged the EU to “ensure that the EU ETS is a green pathway towards global decarbonization, and to work for effective global regulation at the IMO in December”.
El Mundo reported on 26th November that the Spanish Business Federation (CEOE) seemed to be opposed to environmental taxes on the aviation sector and suggested the transition to sustainable aviation fuels would cause job losses. The association also seemed to be opposed to the ReFuelEU plan.
In a joint letter sent to the EU Parliament on November 30th, BusinessEurope and the European Banking Federation (EBF) stated concerns around the Parliament’s consideration of “Pillar 1 capital charge for so called “brown exposures”” as part of the EU’s Banking Package, which would limit the capacity for fossil-fuel intensive investments.
In a declaration to the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council on 25th November, the Presidents of BusinessEurope, VNO-NCW, Mouvement des Entreprises de France, Confederation of Business Industry, Federation of German Industries, and Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations supported deploying additional fossil gas capacity in Europe as well as renewable, nuclear and 'low-carbon' energy to respond to the energy crisis, whilst emphasizing the risk of deindustrialization from the EU’s decarbonization.
In a social media post on 8th November Edison, an EDF subsidiary supported the role of fossil gas in the energy mix, describing it as essential for energy security.
In a press release published on 14th November, SolarPower Europe supported the ambitious position of the European Parliament on the RePowerEU package, including additional protections to guarantee that Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) money is being directed towards developing renewable projects, and to prevent fossil fuel infrastructure from being funded through the RRF mechanism. Furthermore, the entity supported a 45% renewable energies target as the most cost-effective path to a climate neutral EU in a tweet on 10th November.
In a 2nd November tweet, Eurelectric supported the electrification of transport and the 2035 EU zero-emissions carbon dioxide target for cars and vans.
In a LinkedIn post on 7th November, a Saint-Gobain senior executive strongly advocated for governments to take more ambitious action to improve the energy efficiency of buildings at COP27.
In an open letter to the President of the EU Council on 18th October, Corporate Leaders Group Europe and SolarPower Europe advocated for more ambitious, binding targets in the EU Energy Efficiency Directive and the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
In an article published on 28th October, the Federation of German Industries (BDI) expressed its opposition to the EU Parliament’s decision to phase out light duty internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035. On the same day, the association opposed the ban in a tweet, calling for the use of e-fuels instead.
In a 27th October interview in a 'Return on IT investment' blog, Gas Infrastructure Europe secretary general, Boyana Achovski, stated support for new gas contracts and Liquid Natural Gas imports, alongside building new gas infrastructure.
Audi (a Volkswagen subsidiary) CEO, Markus Duesmann, stated support for both a speed limit on the autobahn and Car Free Sundays in Germany in an interview with Süddeutschen Zeitung on October 26th, one of the first German autos CEOs to come out in support of such climate-related policies.
In an October 19th press release, Airlines for Europe (A4E) stated general support for the EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, with the exception that it excludes small airports with a capacity of under 10,000 scheduled commercial movements per year.
Euractiv reported on 11th October that EU policymakers had made concessions to the EU steel industry in EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) trilogues, agreeing that proposed reforms to tighten the benchmark against which free allowances for the industry are measured should be scrapped. Eurofer stated support for this outcome, which it has consistently advocated for since the reform proposal in 2020. Eurofer also suggested it did not support the proposal for the phase out of the free allocation of emissions allowances alongside the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism.
GasNaturally co-chair, Francois-Regis Mouton, signed a joint statement with Jozef Síkela, Minister of Industry and Trade in the Czech presidency of the EU Council, which called for a ramp-up of European fossil gas production, supporting diversifying gas imports into Europe, encouraging new LNG terminals to be established.
On October 11th, the CEOs of WindEurope, Iberdrola, SSE, Siemens Energy, EDP, and the South African Wind Energy Association signed an open letter from the global wind energy industry to G20 and world leaders. In the letter, the companies and associations called for urgent action to combat climate change via an accelerated, more ambitious transition towards renewables including wind energy. The letter called for 9 cases of policy commitment, including increased ambition in renewable energy deployment, development of renewable energy financing and infrastructure, and fostering of multi-lateral renewable energy partnerships and trade agreements.
In a joint statement from non-energy extractive industry associations on 4th October, CEMBUREAU did not support energy efficiency measures proposed by the EU Commission in the Industrial Emissions Directive reform, stressing double regulation.
On 26th September, the President of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations (CEOE) stated opposition to fiscal measures and taxes being placed on the aviation industry under the EU's Energy Taxation Directive, suggesting it would be a burden on the competitiveness of industry.
In a news article published on 29th September on its website, WindEurope supported the joint offshore energy targets included in the revised EU’s Trans-European Networks for Energy (TEN-E) Regulation.
In a 30th September LinkedIn post, Hydrogen Europe supported the EU Parliament’s decision to remove stringent criteria for renewable hydrogen production, including the additionality principle and Delegated Act on Renewable Fuels from non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs) in the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) reform.
In a 26th September press release, Endesa, a subsidiary of Enel, promoted the use of LNG to decarbonize shipping and appeared to support LNG storage infrastructure.
On the 26th September, the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) and the American Petroleum Institute (API) released new research in which they appeared to advocate for European policymakers to secure new fossil gas supplies to help ease the energy crisis in Europe. A fact sheet of the research included recommendations that included calling for policymakers to reassess the production of fossil gas in Europe, advocating for an emergency project of common interest to support the EU fossil gas network, and calling for the demand reduction forecasts for fossil gas to be 'carefully reassessed'.
In a 13th September tweet, CEMBUREAU advocated for a “gradual phase out of free allocation” of emissions allowances in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) only once the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is proven to be “watertight”, in contradiction to the EU Commission’s proposal for the files. However, the tweet stated support for the inclusion of waste incineration in the EU ETS.
In an 8th September CE Energy News article, Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) secretary-general Boyana Achovski appeared to advocate for existing gas infrastructure to be used for transporting renewable fuels. However, Achovski also supported increasing pipeline gas and Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) imports into Europe.
In an August 29th policy brief, Lufthansa appeared unsupportive of the Fit for 55 package, emphasizing cost and competitiveness concerns. In particular, it appeared to support the exemption of EU feeder flights from the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), and oppose an extension to include all flights departing the EU. Lufthansa also called for ReFuelEU Aviation to be “designed in such a way that it does not affect EU airlines unilaterally” and a sustainable aviation fuels compensation mechanism after the quota increases in 2030.
In a 12th August CNBC article, RWE stated support for lignite coal, and labelled it a “reliable partner” in the energy mix.
In a 20th July interview with German media, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA), Hildegard Müller, advocated for the long-term use of the internal combustion engine powered by synthetic fuels over the complete electrification of road transport in the EU, particularly for heavy-duty vehicles. She argued that the EU is missing a huge opportunity by excluding synthetic fuels as a pathway towards the decarbonization and jeopardizing the achievement of the bloc’s climate targets.
In a blog post on 29th June, Edison (a subsidiary of EDF Group) advocated for the FuelEU Maritime proposal to further promote Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) for shipping, arguing that emissions measurements within the policy should be changed to favor the fuel.
In a 12th July press release, industry association Hydrogen Europe advocated for a more ambitious blending mandate for synthetic fuels and the inclusion of green hydrogen in the ReFuelEU Aviation legislature. CEO Jorgo Chatzimarkakis called for higher ambition in the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive (RED) 2030 targets, advocating for a 45% target by 2030 and higher transport sector sub-targets in a 13th July press release. However, he also supported weakening strict requirements for renewable hydrogen in the RED Delegated Act on Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs).
In an American Petroleum Institute (API) blog post from July 8th 2022, the association appeared to support the inclusion of fossil gas in the EU Taxonomy.
In a 4th July position paper, the European Banking Federation (EBF) opposed the EU Parliament’s proposal for a mandatory EU Green Bond Standard, stating that a “voluntary standard, as initially proposed by the European Commission, will better serve the growth of the green bond market and the EU GBS will likely find wide acceptance without being established as a mandatory standard”.
In a 6th July press release, GasNaturally President Dawn Summers supported a weakening of the EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, by including a transitional role for fossil gas. Summers supported the EU Parliament’s decision not to veto the EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy Delegated Act. Meanwhile, Eurogas Secretary-General James Watson welcomed the EU Parliament’s decision to include fossil gas in the EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy, in a 6th July Euractiv article. Watson also called for more support for LNG imports.
In a press release, published on 1st July 2022, Eurofer’s Director General Axel Eggert supported the EU Council’s proposal for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), but suggested that the proposal needed strengthened carbon leakage protection measures and export rebates. He also stated that reforms such as rebasing the emissions cap and strengthening the Market Stability Cap should be avoided.
In a 29th June tweet, Eurelectric expressed support for the EU phase out of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035, describing the EU decision as a win for e-mobility.
In a 24th June press release, Confindustria stated opposition to the proposed phase-out of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales by 2035 in Europe, suggesting that the target could be delayed in the EU Council session at the end of June.
Hydrogen Europe advocated for clear definitions for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen under the EU's Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonization Package in a June 2022 position paper. The group also appeared to support the EU Commission's proposal to include hydrogen and fossil gas blending as a transitional measure.
In a press release published on 8th June, the Corporate Leaders Group (CLG) supported an ambitious agreement on the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) in the EU Parliament plenary. It stated that the free allocation of emissions allowances cannot continue in its current form, but suggested that they should only be phased out as fast as possible for sectors which do not face low-carbon competition from overseas on a large scale.
According to a June 9th media report, Airlines for Europe opposed a more ambitious Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) blending target of 6% by 2030, as proposed in the EU Council’s general approach, preferring the earlier mandate of 5%. Lufthansa appeared to stress competitiveness, carbon leakage and cost concerns with the Council’s position. In contrast, International Airlines Group welcomed the more ambitious target.
An op-ed written by the President of the EU Parliament Environment Committee, Pascal Canfin, published in Le Monde on the 2nd June reported that in a “tsunami of lobbying” Eurofer had advocated to EU parliamentarians to not support the EU Commission’s proposal to reform the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) by eliminating a certain amount of carbon credits from the market, called ‘rebasing’. Canfin stated that the EU Commission had shown that without this measure, there is no chance of achieving the necessary emissions reductions in European industry to align with the UN Paris Agreement. Eurofer also appeared to advocate for the EU Parliament to support the weaker draft of the EU ETS and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
In an 8th June social media post, Hydrogen Europe CEO Jorgo Chatzimarkakis supported stronger measures for hydrogen in the EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure regulation, FuelEU Maritime, and the ReFuelEU Aviation proposals.
On 8th June the Federation of German Industry (BDI) stated in a press release that it does not support the complete phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles in 2035. The entity advocated for a 90% reduction target instead, stating that a lower target would prevent job losses and protect the automotive industry. In a 13th June press release, Confindustria opposed the result of the 8th June EU Parliament plenary vote on CO2 Standards for Light Duty Vehicles which approved a 2035 phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles, stating that it would put thousands of jobs at risk. On May 31st, FuelsEurope wrote an Op-ed in Politico which appeared unsupportive of the effective ICE ban. FuelsEurope urged policymakers to “recognize new vehicles operated on up to 100 percent renewable fuels” in vehicle CO2 regulations and emphasized supply and cost concerns with electric vehicles.
On May 31st, a group of companies and industry associations representing the mobility, engineering, and energy sectors, including Mazda, Eni, Siemens Energy, Repsol and Liquid Gas Europe, signed a joint letter to Members of European Parliament (MEPs) strongly opposing a zero-emissions CO2 target for cars and vans ahead of the European Parliament's plenary vote. They instead called for a technology open regulation that recognizes the contribution of sustainable renewable fuels, thus promoting a long-term role for the internal combustion engine over a complete transition to EVs in the EU.
Industry association Hydrogen Europe appeared to support a weakening of the Delegated Acts in the EU Renewable Energy Directive. The group supported including a grandfathering clause to delay stricter guidelines for renewable hydrogen projects until 2027, and did not support strict temporal correlation guidelines in a 24th May position paper.
In a position statement outlining priorities for the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council, published on 22nd May, the Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales (CEOE) advocated for technology neutrality in the EU’s CO2 standards for light duty vehicles.
In an 18th May press release, the Federation of German Industries (BDI) opposed the EU Parliament ENVI Committee’s position on introduction of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), describing it as "an untested and abuse-prone CO2 border tariff" and advocating for continuation of free allowances under the EU ETS until "at least 2030".
On 11th May, ahead of the REPowerEU plan, Corporate Leaders Group (CLG) Europe published a joint letter that highlighted a strengthened EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is needed to deliver on the EU’s targets.
In a press release on 16th May, the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) did not support reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) such as the reduction of the free allocation of emissions allowances and an increase in the emissions reduction target for ETS sectors for 2030. In the same press release, VCI opposed the inclusion of the chemical industry in the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). In a public hearing by the German Committee for Climate Protection and Energy on 11th May, VCI did not support the CBAM, suggesting that it is protectionist and supporting the inclusion of export rebates.
Speaking at a conference on 12th May, ArcelorMittal Europe’s CEO and President of Eurofer, Geet Van Poelvoorde, did not support proposed reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), stressing high costs and advocating for a transition phase. Van Poelvoorde also did not support the EU Commission’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), advocating to maintain the free allocation of emissions allowances until 2030. However, he supported a regulatory framework for green hydrogen.
In a 12th May statement, the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) advocated for a review of the EU Emissions Trading System and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in relation to the heightened risk of carbon leakage, implying that greater carbon leakage protection may be needed which would weaken the ambition of the policies.
On the 30th January 2023, BP released its Energy Outlook 2023. While it stated support for more policy ambition to facilitate the development of low carbon energy, it also stated that there is a need to continue oil and fossil gas investments for another 30 years.
In a January 25th Automotive News Europe article, the CEO of Volkswagen’s Seat brand called for “ambitious decisions" to be taken to accelerate vehicle electrification in Spain, which he argued is falling further behind leading European countries in the electric vehicle transition.
The European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA), the Association for Financial Markets in Europe (AFME), the Alternative Investment Management Association (AIMA) and the Investment Company Institute (ICI) have cautioned against the European Supervisory Authorities' (ESAs) proposed approach to regulating greenwashing. For instance, AFME and EFAMA have highlighted that there should be a reference to intentionality in misleading claims and ICI has stated that a regulatory definition of greenwashing would be “counterproductive”.
PGE CEO Wojciech Dąbrowski stated that EU climate policy causes a loss of economic competitiveness in a 18th January Twitter post.
In a January 24th Reuters article, it was reported that Eni CEO Claudio Descalzi stated that Italy can increase its fossil gas supply from Africa, adding that an oversupply can supply the EU if gas infrastructure is expanded.
In a social media post on 19 December 2022, the German chemical industry association Verband der Chemischen Industrie (VCI) did not support the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) reform and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), criticizing it as a burden for the chemical industry and citing price increases as endangering the industry.
In a press release on the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) Reform trilogue agreement on 20 December, Eurometaux Director General Guy Thiran and President Evangelos Mytilineos emphasized the need to avoid deindustralization in response to the proposed CBAM and EU ETS reform.
In a joint statement published on 12th December, a number of entities including Acciona, Enel, Iberdrola, Orsted, Siemens Energy, SolarPower Europe and WindEurope advocated for the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) to only include renewable hydrogen and exclude hydrogen from nuclear and fossil fuel sources.
In several press releases in December surrounding the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and EU Emissions Trading System Reform trilogues, Eurofer Director General Axel Eggert supported weakening the EU ETS reform and CBAM, advocating for export rebates to be included in the CBAM. He also was unsupportive of proposed measures in delegated acts in the Renewable Energy Directive Reform on carbon capture use and storage and renewable hydrogen.
In a 6th December joint letter to EU Energy and Transport ministers, companies and industry groups including BP, E.ON, Engie, Rolls Royce, Repsol, Uniper, Siemens Energy, and Hydrogen Europe called for more ambitious hydrogen targets, under the renewable fuels of non-biological origin definition, for the transport sector in the EU Renewable Energy Directive.
In a December 6th joint letter, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) and the European Association for Electromobility called on the EU Parliament's Industry (ITRE) Committee to amend the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) by setting ambitious targets for charging solutions on private property following the EU's passing of a 100% CO2 emission reduction target for cars and vans by 2035.
On 8th December in a joint statement, heavy industry associations including Eurofer, European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), CEMBUREAU and FuelsEurope supported the proposed REPowerEU policy to decarbonize industry in Europe and advocated for EU funds to roll out low-carbon projects.
In a November 28th open letter from EU industry, several entities including Eurelectric, European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), Eurofer, EDF and ArcelorMittal, advocated for the inclusion of ‘low carbon’ hydrogen in the EU Renewable Energy Directive III and Hydrogen and Gas Market Decarbonization Package, which can include non-renewable hydrogen sources.
On 2nd November, the German chemicals association Verband der Chemischen Industrie (VCI) published an evaluation of the EU Green Deal. In the text the association generally supported the EU’s 2050 target, but expressed major concerns about different elements of the EU ETS reform, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, Energy Efficiency Directive and Renewable Energy Directive.
In a position paper published on 5th December, CEMBUREAU supported a weaker Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) with a slower phase out of the free allocation of emissions allowances in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) reform and the inclusion of export rebates, although it did support including indirect emissions. It also was in favor of a large Innovation Fund in the EU ETS.
Following trilogue negotiations on the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) for aviation, Ryanair released a press release which “condemned” the outcome of the vote. CEO, Michael O’Leary, appeared to argue that the decision to limit the scope of the EU ETS to intra-EU flights, rather than extending the scope to all flights departing the EU, has “abandoned the environment and ordinary families” and exempts the most polluting flights from paying taxes.
In comments to Euractiv on 30th November in response to a study which found that industry has received almost 100 billion euros in free CO2 credits since 2013, Eurofer Director General Axel Eggert supported the maintenance of current levels of free allowances in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), a position which is misaligned from the EU Commission’s proposal for a reform of the policy. Mr Eggert stated that the steel industry needs free allocation to remain alongside the proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) until it is fully in place to finance new green steel projects, whilst also consistently advocating for increased government financing, for example, in May 2022.
In a 21st November open letter, the World Shipping Council (WSC) appeared to support the inclusion of maritime under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) and advocated for a life-cycle approach for fuels. This approach would incorporate the emissions released during fuel production and incentivize the use of Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin.
In a 21st November joint statement, Eurogas and Gas Distributors for Sustainability (GD4S) called for the EU Methane Regulation for the energy sector to weaken measures monitoring methane emissions, leak detection and repair, and thresholds for venting.
In an open letter to policymakers published on 2nd November, WindEurope, Iberdrola, EDP and Schneider Electric supported the proposed Delegated Act on Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs) to boost renewable hydrogen production.
In a 10th November interview with media outlet wGospodarce, PGE Group CEO Wojciech Dąbrowski appeared to advocate for a continued role of coal power alongside renewable energy development in Poland.
In an open letter to the EU Commission on 27th October, Enel, Iberdrola and Schneider Electric advocated for 'ecodesign' regulation to implement an EU-wide phase-out of the sale of 'stand-alone' fossil fuel boilers before 2029.
On 19th October, a number of entities including SmartEn, the European Association for Electromobility (AVERE) and SolarPower Europe, published a joint letter to the EU energy ministers and Members of European Parliament, calling for a more ambitious solar mandate for buildings in the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
Eurometal reported on 26th October that SSAB Chief Technology Officer, Martin Pei, advocated for an ambitious low-carbon emissions standard for steel in the EU.
De Trouw reported on the 13th October that The Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) supported exemptions for heavy industry from the EU energy efficiency legislative tool, the Energy Savings Obligation, in the Netherlands for the past 20 years, justifying the exemption by stating that industry is already regulated under the EU Emissions Trading System. De Trouw reported on the 17th October that VNO-NCW did not support the planned phase out of Dutch overseas fossil fuel financing by 2023, advocating that this should continue until 2030 since fossil gas is a transition fuel, and that Dutch companies developing fossil fuels in developing countries will be replaced by Russia and China.
In an October 17th Automotive News Europe article, Stellantis CEO, Carlos Tavares, appeared to explicitly oppose the EU's 2035 100% zero-emissions vehicle target, which would effectively phase out the sale of new ICE-powered light-duty vehicles in the EU, for the first time. Tavares called for the policy to be renegotiated to include a long-term role for hybrid vehicles.
In a letter to the Chair of the EU Environment Council on 11th October, BusinessEurope supported finalizing work on the Fit for 55 package before COP27. However, it also stressed that the challenges and burdens facing EU industry should be taken into account. BusinessEurope also seemed to support the EU Commission’s decision to exclude GHG emissions in the revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive, a position which is misaligned with the original ambition of the proposal.
Industry associations Eurogas and Gas Infrastructure Europe released a 10th October joint position paper on the upcoming EU Methane Regulation. The groups advocated to weaken and reduce measures for monitoring, reporting and verifying methane emissions, and reducing the frequency of leak detection and repair requirements, alongside opposing venting and flaring proposals.
In a tweet on 5 October, SolarPower Europe strongly supported a renewable energy target of 45% for 2030 in the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED).
In a 6th October joint letter to European policymakers, Hydrogen Europe called for the EU to insert weaker criteria for renewable hydrogen production in the Delegated Act on Renewable Fuels from non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs), and then adopt the updated version within the EU Renewable Energy Directive revision. This included delaying the additionality principle until 2028, and offering more flexibility to producers.
In a 26th September blog post on its corporate website, Fortum advocated for the REPowerEU proposal to support a technology neutral approach and provide less of a focus on renewable energy. The post did not support strengthening European energy efficiency policy and reducing energy demand, stating it would overlap with other climate objectives and the EU Emissions Trading Scheme. It also did not support stringent criteria for renewable hydrogen production, including the additionality principle, in the EU Renewable Energy Directive reform.
On 19th September, the German chemical association Verband der Chemischen Industrie (VCI) published a press release, advocating for a delay of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the Industrial Emissions Directive (IED).
In a 26th September press release, Confindustria’s Vice President described the creation of Italy as a hub for fossil gas in Southern Europe as a priority, promoting the need to reflect again on the EU’s approach, arguing that a reconsideration is needed in order to protect industrial activity and limit dependence on raw materials from abroad.
Industry association Gas Infrastructure Europe (GIE) appeared to advocate for more LNG terminals to enable the EU to reduce its dependency on Russian fossil fuels in a 22nd September Twitter post.
In a joint letter to EU policymakers on 6th September, coordinated by the industry association Eurometaux, European companies including Boliden, Glencore and Norsk Hydro appeared to oppose new and ongoing climate and energy policy in the EU, stressing costs for industry. The letter also advocated to diversify gas imports, and did not appear to support national coal phase outs or an ambitious EU Emissions Trading System. However, the letter advocated for more ambitious market-based renewable energy policy.
In a 6th September press release, the President of the German Federation for Industry (BDI) supported diversifying the energy mix in Europe away from dependency on Russian fossil fuels, via re-connection of already phased out coal plants.
On September 20th, a group of European entities, including FuelsEurope, Copa-Cogeca, European Association of Automotive Suppliers, Repsol and Neste released a joint statement which appeared to advocate to delay the effective phase-out of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles under the EU’s light-duty CO2 standards. The statement stressed that “recent geopolitical developments” have caused uncertainties for full electrification and called for the Trilogue negotiations to enable “ICE vehicles registered to run exclusively on CO2 neutral fuels” after 2035, as a complementary pathway to electrification.
In a 1st September press release, the President of Confindustria strongly opposed the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), calling for the EU’s flagship emissions trading system to be suspended given the height of energy prices. The association has repeatedly made this call since it was first detected by InfluenceMap in March 2022.
The German chemical association VCI published a new position paper on EU climate laws on 12th July, criticizing the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) reforms and the planned phase out of free allocation of certificates, as well as not supporting absolute energy savings targets as part of the EU Energy Efficiency Directive. Meanwhile, on 25th July, VCI emphasized in a tweet the importance of Germany becoming independent of Russian gas, supporting the role of LNG terminals and coal as means to do so.
In a 14th July open letter to the EU Commission, Enel, Iberdrola and EDP supported a key Delegated Act within the Renewable Energy Directive, advocating for application of the ‘additionality principle’ to ensure hydrogen is produced with extra renewable energy capacity, and advocating against proposals to delay the application of the principle via a ‘grandfathering clause’.
In its weekly newsletter, published on 14th July, BusinessEurope stated positions on several of the EU’s Fit for 55 package policies, which have had positions agreed by all EU institutions. It supported increasing the ambition of the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation and was in favor of speeding up the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for road transport and buildings. However, it supported the EU Parliament’s proposal to stagger the rebasing of the EU ETS emissions cap. It also did not support proposals for an EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), advocating for export rebates.
In a tweet on 1st July, EDF supported the inclusion of fossil gas alongside nuclear in the EU Taxonomy complementary delegated act, stating that there are no economically viable alternatives.
On 11th July, BusinessEurope Director General Markus J. Beyrer and President Fredrik Persson stated they had sympathy for the European People’s Party’s call for a moratorium on green policies in the EU, stressing the regulatory burden on companies and the threat of de-industrialization.
In a 11th July press release, Confindustria President Carlo Bonomi supported new fossil fuel infrastructure to diversify the energy mix, advocating for Italy to classify a new LNG terminal as strategic infrastructure.
In a 1st July press release, FuelsEurope appeared to support a continued role for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by supporting the EU Council’s provision to include a 2026 review for CO2 standards, for which they stated “we will redouble our work to make renewable fuels in land-based transport a significant and constructive contribution to meeting the targets of the Green Deal”. Similarly, in a 1st July press release, Wirtschaftsverband Fuels und Energie (en2x) CEO, Adrian Willig, appeared to support a long-term role for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by urging European politicians to include renewable fuels in future CO2 standards.
In a 30th June position paper, GasNaturally advocated for the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive revision to reverse national bans on fossil gas technologies, including gas and hybrid boilers. Furthermore, GasNaturally called for the EU Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonization Package to provide clearer definitions for renewable and low-carbon gases in a 1st July position paper. However, the group also advocated for all forms of hydrogen to be supported in the scope of the policy.
In a 27th June press release, Hydrogen Europe welcomed the European Parliament position on the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS). The association supported the EU ETS extension into the maritime and aviation sectors, and a new scheme for the buildings and transport sectors. It also advocated for coverage of the hydrogen sector in the system. Hydrogen Europe also appeared to support the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) proposal from the EU Parliament. The group supported the gradual phase out of free allowances from the EU ETS, without specifying a timeline. However, it also called for rebates for exporters by emphasizing risk of carbon leakage. Finally, CEO Jorgo Chatzimarkakis advocated for higher sectoral sub-targets and targets for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) in the EU Renewable Energy Directive revision, following the EU Council’s position on the policy.
A 21st June Argus Media article reported that industry association Hydrogen Europe supported weakening the EU Commission's proposal for the Renewable Energy Directive, by supporting less ambitious thresholds for renewable hydrogen.
WindEurope and Eurofer published a joint statement on 21st June supporting the RePower EU legislation to scale up renewable energy and renewable hydrogen to decarbonize industry.
In a June 17th press release, the World Shipping Council appeared to oppose an extension of the EU Emissions Trading System to extra-EEA voyages, instead advocating for a global market-based mechanism.
In a 14th June joint statement on EU-US LNG trade, Eurogas advocated for new LNG infrastructure in the EU and long-term LNG contracts to meet gas demand in the bloc. The group did not appear to take a position on the EU’s methane regulation, but stated it would “uphold” the policy, and supported a pragmatic approach to methane regulation in the US.
In press releases published on the 8-9th June, CEMBUREAU expressed disappointment at the failure of the EU Parliament Plenary to agree on proposals for the reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). CEMBUREAU stated support for "some key issues" within both the ambitious Environment Committee draft and the weaker EU Parliament draft, but did not specify its position on the phase-out timeline for free allowances.
In communications to the media, both Mercedes-Benz Group and Volkswagen Group appeared supportive of the EU’s announced zero-emissions 2035 CO2 target. Volkswagen called the plan an “ambitious but achievable goal”, while Mercedes-Benz stated "by 2030, we are ready to go fully electric wherever market conditions allow". This appears to leave BMW as the only major German automaker directly opposing the policy.
On 3rd June, the CEOs of energy intensive companies and industry associations, including ArcelorMittal, Holcim, Solvay, Norsk Hydro, EUROFER and FuelsEurope, signed an open letter opposing the EU Parliament Environment Committee's proposal to increase ambition of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) reform, stressing risks of carbon leakage.
The news outlet Handelsblatt reported on 30th May that the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) did not support the Market Stability Reserve mechanism in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), suggesting it is a burden for companies as it increases the carbon price and the risk of carbon leakage.
An open letter to the European Parliament and Member States facilitated by Eurofer and signed by European CEOs of EU steel companies stressed concerns regarding the recent vote in the EU Parliament Environment Committee to increase the ambition of the EU Emissions Trading System and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. They were unsupportive of "scaling back existing carbon leakage protection" and advocated for EU policymakers to "prevent a sharp decrease in free allocation." This was signed by regional and/or division CEOs of thyssenkrupp, ArcelorMittal, SSAB, Tata Steel and other companies in the steel value chain.
In a position statement outlining priorities for the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council, published on 22nd May, the Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales (CEOE) advocated for the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to complement the free allocation of emissions allowances in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), and was in favor of an ‘adequate’ levels of free allowances.
In a press release on 18th May, BusinessEurope Director, General Markus J. Beyrer, stated opposition to the EU Parliament Environment Committee’s vote to increase the ambition of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism by speeding up the phase out of the free allocation of emissions allowances in the EU ETS. He also did not support the proposal to make free allowances conditional on decarbonization efforts.
On 11th May, ahead of the REPowerEU plan, Corporate Leaders Group (CLG) Europe published a joint letter that advocated for increased ambition on the Renewable Energy Directive, and advocated for increased ambition and action on the Energy Efficiency Directive and Energy Performance of Building Directives.
In a joint statement published on 11th May, energy-intensive industry associations including Eurofer, CEMBUREAU, FuelsEurope and International Federation of Industrial Energy Consumers did not support reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), including the proposal to strengthen the Market Stability Reserve and rebase the emissions cap. The associations also did not support the EU Commission’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), suggesting that the free allocation of emissions allowances in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) should be maintained until 2030.
Eurelectric released its recommendations to the EU Parliament’s Environment Committee on the 10th May, ahead of its vote on the EU Emission Trading System’s (EU ETS) reforms. The group supported the overall ambition in the European Commission’s proposal and measures to strengthen the effectiveness of the EU ETS. However, Eurelectric also supported the financing of fossil gas projects under the EU Modernisation Fund.
In a joint letter on 18th May, companies including Ford Motor, Volvo Cars, Iberdrola, Vattenfall, Uber, Unilever, and EDP urged the European Parliament and EU governments to support a 2035 diesel and petrol phase out date for new cars in Europe. The letter also stated support for all cars and vans on the road to reach zero-emissions by 2050.
In its Annual Report 2022, published on 23 January 2023, Eurelectric expressed support for the REPowerEU plan to decarbonize and electrify the European economy, and supported the European law to phase out internal combustion engines by 2035.
A Freedom of Information Request by InfluenceMap revealed that in a December 2022 meeting between Airlines for America (A4A) and DG MOVE, A4A expressed concern regarding movement reduction legislation at Schiphol Airport.
In a 23rd January Upstream Energy article, Snam CEO Stefano Venier advocated for new investments in gas infrastructure “to enable higher import flows from northern Africa and the Caspian basin”.
Freedom of information requests for documents related to meetings between The International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) and the EU commission on the 14th December 2022, reveal that IOGP called for LNG projects to be incentivized. It also promoted the role of fossil gas in the energy transition, adding it will underpin the development of a hydrogen economy and ‘any delay in making the right decisions’ may permanently damage Europe’s industry.
In a November 2022 European Banking Congress in Frankfurt, Deutsche Bank CEO Christian Sewing argued that “the current regulatory framework does little to strengthen European banks,” and that while Europe is currently a leader in sustainable finance, the bloc “will soon lose this leadership” if regulation “continues as it has.”
In a December 13th tweet, German chemicals association Verband der Chemischen Industrie (VCI) criticized the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM), stating it is not suitable for the chemical industry.
In a Euronews article from 8th December, SolarPower Europe CEO Walburga Hemetsberger was quoted as supporting a 45% renewable energy target in the RePower EU plan, stating that 45% is the “only direction of travel.”
In a press release on the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) Reform trilogue agreement on 16 December, CEMBUREAU broadly supported the proposed EU ETS reform, but advocated that export rebates should be included in the CBAM.
Industry association Hydrogen Europe called for the EU Renewable Energy Directive Delegated Act on RFNBOs to weaken strict renewable hydrogen criteria in a 6th December Twitter post, by advocating for a longer transitional period until 2030 before rules are due to be applied.
In a December 9th joint letter, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) and Hydrogen Europe urged EU member states to set higher targets for the deployment of hydrogen refueling and electricity recharging stations in the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR), following “insufficient ambition” from the EU Council.
In a position paper on the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation trilogues, published on 9th December, BusinessEurope advocated for higher ambition in proposals to scale up recharging infrastructure, but supported weaker proposals from EU policymakers on aviation infrastructure and stressed the international competitiveness impacts of the policy.
On 22nd November, a coalition of companies and industry associations, including WindEurope, Acciona, EDF, Engie, Enel, Iberdrola, Ørsted, Siemens Energy, and RWE published an open letter to the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU, calling for high ambitions in the suggested emergency regulation on accelerating renewables permitting, advocating for the regulation to be applicable to new as well as pending permits.
In a joint declaration on 1st December, Federation of German Industries (BDI), Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF) and Confederation of Italian Industry (Confindustria) criticized EU climate policy, calling for fewer regulations and avoiding ‘unnecessary revisions’.
In a letter to Members of European Parliament on 2nd December, BusinessEurope did not seem to support higher national targets in the ReFuelEU Aviation Plan, and advocated for a transitional period for the phase in of sustainable aviation fuels. It also supported a weaker reform of the EU Emissions Trading System for aviation.
On November 30th, Airlines For Europe (A4E) Managing Director, Thomas Reynaert, released a letter providing policy recommendations ahead of an EU Transport Minister’s meeting occurring on December 5th. The letter appeared to support the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation while proposing exemptions for small airports and cautioned against targets for hydrogen and electric re-charging infrastructure for aircraft. It also supported an EU sustainable aviation fuel mandate while appearing to oppose the provision enabling member states to increase national mandates, suggest that fuel cost implications from the invasion of Ukraine be considered for interim targets, and emphasize carbon leakage concerns.
On December 5th, A4E released a YouTube video opposing an EU jet fuel tax, while supporting the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The video stated a jet fuel tax would undermine the EU ETS, distort competition and could lead to an increase in CO2 emissions.
Following trilogue negotiations on the EU ETS for aviation, A4E released a position paper on December 7th. The paper appeared supportive of the EU’s decision to maintain the scope of the EU ETS to intra-EU flights and create sustainable aviation fuel-based allowances, while opposing the proposed 2026 phase-out date for free emissions allowance.
Following EU trilogue negotiations on the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) for maritime, the European Community Shipowners Association (ECSA) and World Shipping Council released statements on November 30th, which appear to support the resulting proposal. The compromise applies the EU ETS to all emissions from ships travelling between, or berthed in, EU ports, and 50% of emissions travelling between an EU and non-EU port. ECSA specifically supported the vote to earmark revenues from the EU ETS for maritime’s energy transition and the allocation of EU ETS allowances to the shipping sector.
BusinessEurope’s leadership stressed the ambition gap between the EU and other countries after COP27 on November 17th and 22nd. Director General Markus J. Beyrer advocated for higher ambition, whilst stating that the EU’s target is “already very high” and stressing burdens on the region. President Fredrik Persson stated that the ambition gap had widened, yet supported implementing binding domestic legislation to achieve climate targets. The President supported 100 billion dollars in climate finance and the Director General supported the agreement on a loss and damage fund.
In a 14th November Twitter post, industry association Gas Infrastructure Europe called for new liquified natural gas regasification capacity, suggesting it will not become a stranded asset.
In an open letter to Commissioner Breton, a number of entities including Eurelectric, the European Association for Electromobility (AVERE) and Transport & Environment strongly supported the phase out of internal combustion vehicles in the EU by 2035. In the letter, the entities also expressed concerns regarding the Commissioner’s description of the policy as a “massive disruption” to the automotive sector.
In a tweet on 17th November, WindEurope supported the EU target of 43% wind energy by 2030, emphasizing that slow permitting is holding back the EU's renewable build-out.
In a press release published on the 3rd November, VNO-NCW stated opposition to the Netherlands’ decision to withdraw financial support for fossil fuel development in developing countries, stating that it would create an uneven playing field and suggesting it would be better to wait for other countries first. The association also suggested that fossil gas would be useful in developing countries to prevent the use of coal without placing conditions on the use of methane mitigation technologies.
On 26th October, SolarPower Europe published a press release calling for more ambitious rooftop solar requirements in the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD).
On 26th October, heavy industry associations Eurofer, Eurometaux and CEMBUREAU published a joint statement on the EU’s trilogues on the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) Reform and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The associations stated opposition to an ambitious phase out of the free allocation of emissions allowances alongside a CBAM, preferring the maintenance of full benchmark-based free allocation until the CBAM is proven effective. Failing this, they supported the EU Council’s proposed slower phase out of free allowances compared to the EU Commission proposal.
The news outlet Euractiv reported on 28th October that thyssenkrupp’s Head of Public Affairs and Chair of Eurofer’s energy committee supported regulation to scale up green hydrogen production and infrastructure in the EU to decarbonize steel.
Hydrogen Europe supported more ambitious measures to decarbonize the transport sector in the EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation, specifically hydrogen-based heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs), in a 19th October press release.
A joint letter signed by Volvo Cars, Eurelectric and the European Association for Electromobility, amongst others, urged EU policymakers to adopt a 2035 zero-emissions CO2 target for cars and vans and oppose a loophole granting cars powered by e-fuels to be included in the target.
In a joint statement with IndustriAll on the 17th October, Eurofer advocated for public funding for industrial decarbonization projects and energy infrastructure, as well as EU regulation to support green steel markets. However, it also stated support for carbon leakage protection measures, referencing a previous statement in 2021 where the association was unsupportive of the EU Commission’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System.
In an 11th October tweet, industry association Gas Distributors for Sustainability (GD4S) advocated for technological neutrality to be considered in the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, particularly a role for fossil gas hybrid technologies.
The news outlet L’Usine Nouvelle reported on 6th October that the CEO of Saint-Gobain, Benoît Bazin, strongly advocated in favor of doubling the funding for the French renovation legislation MaPrimeRenov, and supported increasing global rates of renovation.
In a 30th September newsletter, industry association Eurogas advocated for an increase in fossil gas imports into the EU, alongside a scale up of renewable energy production.
The Federation of German Industries (BDI) published a position paper on the EU’s Fit for 55 package on 20th September, in which the association laid out its opposition to the 2035 zero emissions vehicle standard proposed by the EU Commission. In addition, the association supported quotas for low-CO2 and climate neutral aviation fuels as part of ReFuelEU Aviation, while emphasizing the risk of carbon leakage and the need for flexibility to compensate for additional costs, and called for "ambitious but realistic" quotas for biofuels in the Renewable Energy Directive (RED).
In the same position paper, BDI advocated for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) test phase which only includes industries that support it, and the maintenance of free emissions allowances in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS). Furthermore, the entity supported the extension of the EU ETS for road transport and buildings, but not for aviation, and it did not support “inappropriate” Minimum-Energy-Performance-Standards (MEPS) in the Energy Performance Buildings Directive (EPBD), as well as not supporting an energy consumption cap in the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED).
Engie Chairman, Jean-Pierre Clamadieu, called for new LNG infrastructure in Europe in a 27th September Twitter post.
In a 28th September social media post, EDF Group supported increased heat pump installation targets in the EU, supporting the decarbonization of the energy mix.
In a September 16th conversation with BBVA President Carlos Torres Vila, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink expressed support for the inclusion of gas in the EU green taxonomy, saying he was “very pleased that the Eurozone has finally said ‘gas is green.’”
In a 6th September press release, EDF subsidiary Edison promoted the long-term use of Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) within the Italian gas network as well as in relation to decarbonizing shipping and heavy-duty transport.
Recharge News reported in a 13th September article that industry association, Hydrogen Europe, urged European Members of Parliament to support an amendment to remove the additionality principle, and weaken rules on renewable hydrogen producers in the EU Renewable Energy Directive (RED) Delegated Act.
In a 3rd September press release, Enel supported a range of measures to reach net zero by 2050 in Italy and Spain, including eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, introducing legal frameworks to decarbonize industry, and phasing-out fossil fuel boilers.
Gas Infrastructure Europe advocated for European policymakers to support long-term Liquified Natural Gas contracts in a 10th August S&P Global article.
In a July 2022 position paper, the European Association of Automotive Suppliers (CLEPA) appeared to oppose the proposed 2025 15% heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) CO2 reduction target in the EU and called for a review period of the 2030 30% reduction target in 2027-2028. CLEPA also appeared to advocate for a long-term role for internal combustion engine-powered HDVs in the EU, calling for flexibility mechanisms to account for low-carbon and carbon-neutral fuels in the proposed HDV CO2 emissions targets.
Several European industry associations including Hydrogen Europe, Eurogas, the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP), and the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC), released a 15th July joint statement. In which, theu advocated for the weakening of the requirements for renewable hydrogen in the Delegated Act on Renewable Fuels of Non-Biological Origin (RFNBOs) within the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive revision. It called to extend a grandfathering clause, proposed by the European Commission to delay strict additionality requirements until 2027, to 2030, and advocated to weaken geographical and temporal correlation requirements on renewable hydrogen. Signatories
In a tweet on 6th July, the Verband der Chemischen Industrie (VCI) supported the EU Parliament taxonomy vote and the temporary categorization of fossil gas as sustainable. Meanwhile, in a Euractiv article from the same day, the Federation of German Industries (BDI) was quoted as supporting the EU Parliament taxonomy vote, stating support for 'renewable and alternative gases' as bridge technologies in the energy transition.
In a July 2022 position paper, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) opposed a 100% zero-emissions target (and ICE phase-out date) for heavy-duty vehicles in the EU. ACEA argued that the internal combustion engine “will continue to play an important and long-term role”, and instead called for the use of “fossil-free fuels” as a way to decarbonize the heavy-duty vehicle (HDV) sector. ACEA also emphasized extensive qualifying conditions needed for a transition towards a zero-emission HDV sector, including the expansion of charging and re-fuelling infrastructure and zero-emission vehicle incentives.
In a 5th July press release, Confindustria President Carlo Bonomi did not support the proposed Light Duty CO2 Standards, emphasizing negative economic and social costs from the proposed 2035 internal combustion engine (ICE) phase-out timeline
In a 27th June policy brief, Lufthansa appeared unsupportive of an extension of the EU emissions trading scheme (ETS) to flights departing the EEA and the inclusion of non-CO2 impacts, as proposed by EU Parliament. It further appeared to emphasize cost, competition and carbon leakage concerns with the EU sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) mandate and advocated for a “competition-neutral” design, without specifying any specific amendments.
In a report published on 28th June, Verband der Chemischen Industrie (VCI) emphasized its opposition to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), advocating for climate clubs instead. Additionally, a Euractiv article from 22nd June reported on VCI opposing the EU Parliament's CBAM compromise, calling it a “legally uncertain bureaucratic monster prone to abuse.”
In press releases published on 22nd June, Eurofer, Eurometaux and CEMBUREAU stated positions on the EU Parliament’s proposals for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Eurometaux advocated against the inclusion of indirect emissions in the CBAM, whilst CEMBUREAU supported it. However, CEMBUREAU, Eurometaux and Eurofer all advocated for a slower phase out of the free allocation of emissions allowances in the EU ETS. Eurofer also did not support proposals to strengthen the Market Stability Reserve and to rebase the emissions cap.
In a 22nd June joint letter to the EU Council, industry associations including Eurogas and Gas Distributors for Sustainability (GD4S) called for the EU Energy Efficiency Directive revision to extend the energy savings obligation to include renewable and decarbonized gases in the residential heating sector.
In a position paper, published on 13th June, CEMBUREAU opposed the removal of taxation exemptions for mineralogical processes in the reform of the Energy Taxation Directive, and stressed the policy should avoid overlap with the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). On the 17th June, CEMBUREAU also published responses to the EU Commission’s consultations on the Renewable Energy Directive reform Delegated Act on fuels of Renewable Non Biological Origin (RNFBOs), both of which did not support the EU Commission’s proposal. The association did not support simultaneity and location criteria, and suggested that CO2 accounting for GHG savings from recycled carbon fuels should not apply upstream.
In a June 14th press release, Ryanair supported the expansion of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to include flights departing the EEA, as proposed by EU Parliament. Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, further described the current intra-EEA scope “absurd, unfair and inexplicable” and called on EU member states and Frans Timmermans to support the Parliamentary vote. However, in a June 9th press release, International Air Transport Association's (IATA) CEO, Willie Walsh, opposed the application of the EU ETS to flights departing the EEA, appearing to argue it may derail decarbonization efforts in faster growing markets outside of Europe. Instead, Walsh supported regulation through CORSIA. Likewise, in a June 8th statement on the EU Parliamentary vote, Airlines for Europe (A4E) appeared to also oppose an extension of the EU ETS to flights departing the EEA, the phase-out of free emissions allowances by 2025, and the inclusion of non-CO2 emissions within the EU ETS. In the statement, A4E welcomed the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel allowances by Parliament.
In a joint letter on June 17th, Hydrogen Europe, Siemens Energy and Cummins urged the EU to adopt a 6% 2030 e-fuel target in the FuelEU Maritime, alongside a 5x e-fuel multiplier to promote their use.
On June 8th, Politico reported on a study commissioned by easyJet and Ryanair, which appears supportive of the inclusion of international flights in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The report concluded that EU measures applying only to intra-EEA flights jeopardize 73% of emissions savings and encourage passengers to switch to non-EU destinations, while applying regulations to all flights doesn't lead to destination swapping.
Ahead of the plenary votes in the EU Parliament on the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) reform and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on 8th June, the Verband der Chemischen Industrie (VCI) published a press release in which director general Große-Entrup stated the association's opposition to the proposed ETS reforms and emphasized the potential negative impacts of CBAM on the chemical sector.
On June 9th, European automotive industry associations including ACEA and VDA opposed the European Parliament’s plenary vote on a 2035 zero-emissions CO2 target for cars and vans. ACEA President and BMW CEO, Oliver Zipse, expressed his concern with the outcome and called for a halfway review to define post-2030 targets. Volvo Cars, on the other hand, appeared to support the decision, with CEO Jim Rowan stating: "given the climate crisis we all face, this demonstration of global leadership will help ensure the EU delivers on the goals of the Paris Agreement, which require 100 percent zero tailpipe emission vehicle sales in Europe by 2035".
In a statement published on 31st June, BusinessEurope did not support the EU Parliament Environment Committee’s proposed reform to the EU Emissions Trading System for aviation to extend the scope of the scheme to all intra- and inter- EU flights, stressing the risks of unilateral action.
In a position paper published on 19th May, Eurofer advocated to weaken the reform of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) by supporting the inclusion of recycled carbon fuels and advocating for more flexible additionality criteria. The association also did not support proposed GHG emission standards for cogeneration in the Energy Efficiency Directive reform.
In a position paper published on 19th May, Eurofer advocated for the continuation of current carbon leakage protection measures under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) until at least 2030, alongside the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The association also did not support proposed reforms to the EU ETS, such as strengthening the Market Stability Reserve and rebasing the emissions cap. The Director General Axel Eggert came out against the EU Parliament Environment Committee’s vote to increase the ambition of the EU ETS and the CBAM, opposing the new phaseout date of 2030.
In a press release on 23rd May, thyssenkrupp stressed that the reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) must not be too ambitious, in response to the EU Parliament Environment Committee’s vote to increase the ambition of the policy reform. The company was also unsupportive of the decision to speed up the phase out of the free allocation of emissions allowances alongside a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and suggested that companies investing in decarbonization should be exempt from this phase out.
The news outlet Echodonia reported on 13th May that Cemex did not support reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), stressing the costs from high carbon prices. It also advocated for a gradual reduction of the free allocation of emissions allowances in the EU ETS alongside the implementation of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
In a letter to members of the EU Parliament's Environment Committee on 10th May, BusinessEurope opposed the proposed 2035 phase out for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles on the basis of technology neutrality.
In a 12th May statement, the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) communicated high-level support for the EU's Renewable Energy Directive and other renewable energy incentives, including power purchase agreements. In the same statement, ERT supported an acceleration of energy efficiency initiatives, and for a number of measures to strengthen the proposed Energy Efficiency Directive.
According to a May 11th 2022 Politico report, a proposal by Airlines for Europe (A4E) advocated for continued free emissions allowances for aviation under the EU Emissions Trading System, allocated based on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) usage. The proposal argues the mechanisms would incentivize the deployment of SAFs more than a mandate.
This analysis considers a collection of strategy documents detailing the International Gas Union's (IGU) communications, advocacy, and outreach playbooks. IGU describes itself as “the spokesperson for the gas industry worldwide”. It has 150+ members including Shell, TotalEnergies, Sempra Energy, ...
An overview of the corporate lobbying detected by InfluenceMap related to oil, fossil gas, and methane for the month of October 2022.
An Analysis of the Consumer Products Sector's Engagement on the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation
An overview of the corporate lobbying detected by InfluenceMap related to oil, fossil gas, and methane for the months of August and September 2022.
An overview of the corporate lobbying detected by InfluenceMap related to oil, fossil gas, and methane for the month of July 2022.
New research shows how legacy airlines are leading opposition to European climate policy, amidst a growing divide within the airline industry in their climate policy engagement.
An Analysis of the Energy Charter Treaty’s Potential Impact on EU Climate Goals
An overview of the corporate lobbying detected by InfluenceMap related to coal, oil, fossil gas, and methane in December 2022 and January 2023.
An analysis of European Climate Action 100+ steel companies and EU steel industry association's direct engagement with EU policymakers in 2021-22
InfluenceMap’s new platform tracks the climate change policy engagement activity of over 70 companies and 30 industry associations headquartered in the EU. Findings include an overall ranking for each company and industry association based on InfluenceMap’s A-to-F system of scoring, indicating su...
How Auto Parts Makers are Lobbying to Delay EU’s Decarbonization Agenda
An analysis of industry's playbook to promote fossil gas in Europe
German automakers dominate the fight to weaken climate regulation
The 50 Most Influential Companies and Industry Associations Blocking Climate Policy Action Globally
To qualify, a company must exhibit sufficient support for ambitious climate policy, strategic levels of engagement with climate policy, and leadership in its sector. Links to industry associations egregiously opposing climate policy can disqualify a company from the list.
These groups are funded by some of Europe’s largest corporations including Volkswagen Group, LafargeHolcim, TotalEnergies, Repsol, and ArcelorMittal, all of whom are now touting net-zero targets for climate, as well as supporting climate science and the UNFCCC process in the run-up to COP26.
New research shows the aviation sector has emerged as one of the strongest opponents of climate policy in Europe. While many industrial sectors are in the process of transformation in response to the EU’s strengthened climate agenda, the aviation sector has instead pursued a lobbying strategy to ...
Despite the CA100+ initiative having clear expectations on Paris-aligned lobbying, only 2 of the 31 CA100+ target companies found to be engaging on the taxonomy appear to be supportive of its science-based guidance with 4 companies advocating mixed or unclear positions, leaving more than 80% push...
The UK Governments ambitions on transport decarbonization are likely at risk due to the influence of a minority group of automotive interests opposed to binding policy on an internal combustion engine (ICE) phase out.
European companies backing robust, science-based regulation on CO2 emissions under the EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy are also performing better on stock markets when compared with their peers that are opposing the same policy, according to analysis of InfluenceMap's policy position scores and f...
FinanceMap's Asset Managers and Climate Change for 2021 looks at the sector's performance on portfolios, stewardship (engagement), and shareholder resolutions.
Intensive lobbying throughout 2020 from real economy sectors has extracted significant concessions from the European Commission on its EU Sustainable Finance taxonomy.
New research from InfluenceMap shows the oil and gas sector to have dominated climate-related policy battles throughout COVID-19 crisis.
New analysis from InfluenceMap has tracked significant lobbying on the EU Ecolabel since late 2018, as part of a wider ongoing research process covering the EUs Sustainable Finance Action Plan and how the corporate sector is influencing the process.
A new briefing from UK based think tank InfluenceMap shows how the European Central Bank (ECB) has embarked on its Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme (PEPP) bond buying progamme that has spent 50bn in the last three weeks.
In this briefing, InfluenceMap looks at evidence in two areas on the COVID-19 crisis' intersection with climate lobbying.
An analysis of how business has sought to influence this key EU policy
How the sector performs on portfolios, engagement and resolutions
The 50 Corporations Shaping the Global Climate Agenda
US Lobbyists Dominate the List of the World's Most Influential and Negative on Climate
A detailed analysis of key trade groups and how they are positioning themselves for the future of climate in Europe
The last few years has seen a significant reduction in the tax North Sea operators pay to extract oil and gas, to the point where the UK Treasury is now paying the sector £24m per year to operate. The industry has achieved this by a variety of influencing tactics aimed at multiple levels of the ...
Since the conception of the EU ETS over a decade ago, the European cement industry has succeeded in crippling the original ambition of the policy, which was to decarbonise European industry, whilst booking billions of Euros in pure profits from the allocation of credits.
New analysis, requested by the Greens/EFA Group within the European Parliament, reveals a strong correlation between the obstructionist attitudes of key automotive manufacturers toward EU NOx policy and the position of the member states that ...
The clear trend is greater disclosure by the oil/gas industry of regulatory risk posed by climate policy with emphasis of a likely shift following the Paris Agreement. Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil and Valero Energy all imply that significant regulatory risk at the national levels is on ...
InfluenceMap's detailed analysis shows that BusinessEurope appears to be misrepresenting European Business on climate issues.
A year on from Paris, France comes top in the analysis of the G7 countries but there is significant misalignment among other members on their commitment to phase out fossil fuel subsidies by 2025.
New research by InfluenceMap finds that the European cement industry is not disclosing the financial risks it would face in response to a meaningful price on carbon, while continuing to undermine regulations that would enable such a price.
