European Union: Renewables

The European Commission has proposed a comprehensive overhaul of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) for the period after 2030, introducing slower emission cap reductions, expanded roles for carbon removal and international credits, and new conditions for free allocation to industry. The proposal aims to balance climate targets with industrial competitiveness while creating financing mechanisms for green transition, affecting sectors from waste incineration to aviation and maritime transport.

Latvia is set to significantly reform its natural resources tax framework for renewable energy projects, introducing a substantial reduction in the BESS tax rate from EUR 17.03/kg to EUR 2.00/kg and expanding exemption eligibility beyond solar installations. The amendments will eliminate the current 1 MW minimum capacity threshold and remove supplier guarantee exemptions, while establishing new procedures for waste management compliance across all battery storage systems.

Poland's economic transformation in early 2026 has been characterized by comprehensive state-led reforms spanning deregulation, energy transition, labour enforcement, and infrastructure investment. The government has implemented nearly 200 deregulatory measures while simultaneously launching offshore wind projects and strengthening worker protections through enhanced labour inspectorate powers. This coordinated restructuring represents a strategic effort to reposition Poland's economy for sustainable growth

European energy regulators and agencies have released new guidance and reports covering customer switching procedures, grid connection requirements, gas market decarbonisation strategies, and emissions trading system reforms. Key developments include amendments to security of supply regulations, tripartite agreements for energy storage capacity, and updated reporting requirements under the Governance Regulation for member states' national energy and climate plans.

The European Commission updated its State aid review timetable (PDF 440 KB), confirming that work is ongoing on revisions to key State aid instruments, including the General Block Exemption Regulation, the State Aid Guarantee Notice, the Rescue and Restructuring Guidelines, the ETS State aid guidelines and the aviation State aid framework.

Ireland's life sciences sector is experiencing significant growth, driving demand for specialized real estate and infrastructure. As the country prepares for its EU Presidency in H2 2026, energy policy reforms...

The new Law 5299/2026 issued on 5 May 20261, in its Part A, aims to accelerate the energy transition by increasing the share of Renewable Energy Sources (RES) in gross final energy consumption by 2030 and strengthening the gradual phase-out of fossil fuels.

The Court upheld the contested environmental permits in full, confirming the lawfulness of the permitting framework applicable to BESS projects.

On 11 May 2026, the new draft Special Spatial Planning Framework for Tourism (EChP-T), in the form of a Joint Ministerial Decision (ΚΥΑ), has been placed on public consultation until 25 May 2026.