The EU's plans to ban Russian gas
The European Commission proposed Tuesday legally binding measures to end the European Union's imports from Russia of gas and liquefied gas by the end 2027. This would put an end to decades-old energy relationships with Europe's ex-top gas supplier. The details of the proposals are below. They still require approval by EU countries and the European Parliament.
Austria: EU should resume Russian gas imports in the event of peace in Ukraine
An Austrian official told Brussels that the European Union would be willing to resume Russian gas imports in the event of a peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. The European Commission will propose legal measures to implement the ban on Tuesday, with the goal of ending the EU's dependence on Russian energy before the end of 2027.
Austria: EU should consider returning to Russian gas in the event of peace in Ukraine
An Austrian official told Brussels that the European Union would be willing to resume Russian gas imports if there was a future peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine. The European Commission will propose legal measures to implement the ban on Tuesday, with the goal of ending the EU's dependence on Russian energy before the end of 2027.
EU continues with Russian gas banning proposal despite Hungary and Slovakia's vetoes
Hungary and Slovakia opposed on Monday a planned European Union prohibition on Russian gas imports. However, Brussels is expected Tuesday to propose the legislation, which may pass without their approval. By the end of 2027, the European Commission plans to ban EU imports of Russian gas and LNG. It will announce the legal implementation of the plan announced last month on Tuesday.
EU countries are considering a softening of the methane emission law for gas imports
According to a document obtained by, European Union countries could demand that Brussels simplifies the EU's law on methane emissions, which has raised concerns among companies that it may hinder imports of U.S. liquid natural gas. The EU will require importers of gas and oil to report and monitor the methane associated with their imports starting this year.
Palm oil falls due to softer rival oils, rising stocks and softer rival oils
Malaysian palm futures continued to fall for the second consecutive session on Wednesday, closing at their lowest level in over two weeks. Weakened rival edible oil prices as well as rising stocks of May-end oil were to blame. The benchmark contract for palm oil delivery in August on the Bursa Derivatives Market fell 25 ringgit (0.65%) to 3…
Prices of EUROPE GAS firm due to higher demand, French nuclear concerns and hot weather
The Dutch and British wholesale gas price rose on Wednesday morning. This was due to the rising electricity prices in France, increased cooling demand and Europe's need for gas storage sites. LSEG data shows that the benchmark Dutch front-month contract was up 0.72 euros at 35.50 Euro per megawatt hour or $11.90/mmBtu at 0837 GMT.
Fico: Slovakia can't support new EU sanctions on Russia without energy solutions
Robert Fico, Slovakia's Prime Minister, said that the country will not support the EU's 18th sanctions package against Russia until the European Commission offers a solution for the problems the country would face if the bloc were to phase out Russian energy according to plan. The Commission proposed a new set of sanctions on Tuesday against Russia…
Palm oil falls due to softer crudes, rising rival oils and falling stocks
Malaysian palm futures fell for the second consecutive session on Wednesday, to their lowest level in more than two months. They were dragged down by weaker edible oils from rival producers, lower crude oil prices, and higher stocks at May's end. By midday, the benchmark palm oil contract on Bursa Malaysia's…
Metal industry group claims that new EU State Aid rules do not help
A metals industry group wrote a letter to the European Commission on Friday, saying that plans to overhaul state aid rules ignore heavy industry, which is critical for processing energy transition metals. They fail to mitigate energy costs, while green rules may penalise them. After a public hearing on its proposal from February…
Sources say that the US tariff negotiations are boosted by the addition of an assistant to EU chief to the team.
Three sources familiar with these talks have confirmed that the European Union has reshuffled its team in the trade negotiations with the Trump Administration, adding a close adviser to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in order to address more quickly any political issues that may arise from the technical discussions.
Spain pays first arbitral award in long-running dispute over renewable subsidies
A spokesperson for the Energy Ministry said that on Thursday, the Spanish government had agreed to pay 37 million dollars to an American fund in order to settle a dispute over renewable energy subsidies which were reduced more than a decade earlier. After the conservative government of Spain cut renewable subsidies in 2013…
Where is the money that the EU promised to workers in order to go green
The latest data available from the European Commission shows that the EU member states spent only EUR735 millions ($840 million US), the total amount of the fund, between March 2021 and March 2025. The Just Transition Fund is failing to provide adequate assistance for workers who are out of work, said Ciaran Mulooly. He was investigating the performance of the fund as a reporteur.
Germany examines energy system to lower costs
Katherina Reiche, Germany's Economy Minister, said that the government would analyze Germany's energy consumption and supply in order to reduce costs and integrate more gas production. The impact of energy prices on the economy, industrial competitiveness and the environment were some of the top issues at the federal election in February.
EU selects 13 new projects for critical materials, including Greenland
The European Union announced Wednesday 13 new raw materials projects outside of the bloc in order to increase its supply of metals, minerals and other essential elements for the EU to remain competitive in energy transition and defence and aerospace. This announcement comes after China decided in April to restrict exports of rare earth magnets unless new licenses were obtained.
EU selects 13 new projects for critical materials, including Greenland
The European Commission announced on Wednesday 13 new raw materials projects outside of the EU to increase its supply of metals, minerals and other essential elements for the bloc's competitiveness in energy transition and defence and aerospace. After China announced in April that it would restrict exports of rare earth magnets unless new licenses were obtained…
EU selects 13 new projects for critical materials, including Greenland
The European Commission announced on Wednesday 13 new raw materials projects outside of the EU to increase its supply of metals, minerals and other essential elements for the bloc's competitiveness in energy transition and defence and aerospace. After China announced in April that it would restrict exports of rare earth magnets unless new licenses were obtained…
Palm oil climbs due to short covering and the stronger Dalian oils
The price of Malaysian palm oils futures rose on Wednesday, for the fourth consecutive session. This was due to traders covering short positions and Dalian oil prices rising. The benchmark contract for palm oil delivery in August on the Bursa Derivatives exchange gained 31 ringgit or 0.8% to 3,899 Ringgit ($923.93) per metric ton.
Palm oil rises due to short covering and Dalian oils that are stronger
The price of Malaysian palm oils futures increased on Wednesday, for the fourth consecutive session. This was due to traders covering short positions and Dalian oil's strength providing additional support. At midday, the benchmark contract for palm oil delivery in August on the Bursa Derivatives Exchange rose 25 ringgit (0.65%) to 3,893 Ringgit ($917.73).
Even after Trump's reprieved, the EU is still trying to reach a trade agreement with Trump
It is unclear how the European Union will reconcile its desire for a trade agreement that benefits both sides with Washington's demand for large concessions. After a phone call with European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on June 1, Trump decided to back away from the imposition of levies against EU imports.
