This Week in Energy — Brussels (#26, 2026)
Commission renews ban on Russian, Belarusian hydrogen offers; Merger clearance for LNG tech; New opinion on Decarbonisation Fund; ENVI votes on CBAM and TDF.
July 05, 2026 to July 11, 2026
Commission renews ban on Russian, Belarusian hydrogen offers; Merger clearance for LNG tech; New opinion on Decarbonisation Fund; ENVI votes on CBAM and TDF.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On July 13, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Regulations (EU) 2016/679, (EU) 2018/1724, (EU) 2018/1725, (EU) 2023/2854 and Directives 2002/58/EC, (EU) 2022/2555 and (EU) 2022/2557 as regards the simplification of the digital legislative framework, and repealing Regulations (EU) 2018/1807, (EU) 2019/1150, (EU) 2022/868, and Directive (EU) 2019/1024 (Digital Omnibus); Chair’s announcements; Date of next meetings.
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On July 14, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Amending Directives 2008/98/EC, 2010/75/EU, (EU) 2015/2193 and (EU) 2024/1785 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards simplification of some requirements and reduction of administrative burden; Chair’s announcements; Chair’s announcements concerning coordinators’ decisions of 24 June 2026.
- Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN): On July 15, the European Parliament's Committee on Transport and Tourism (TRAN) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Directive 1999/62/EC, Council Directive 1999/37/EC and Directive (EU) 2019/520 as regards the CO2 emission class of heavy-duty vehicles with trailers; Amending Regulation (EU) 2019/631 as regards CO2 emission performance standards for new light duty vehicles and vehicle labelling and repealing Directive 1999/94/EC.
European Commission
Commission approves Baker Hughes' acquisition of Chart Industries, subject to conditions
On 9 July 2026, the European Commission approved the proposed acquisition of Chart Industries, Inc. by Baker Hughes Company under the EU Merger Regulation, conditional upon strict compliance with agreed commitments. The Commission’s investigation found that Baker Hughes holds a dominant position in LNG compressor trains, which could provide Chart a competitive advantage and potentially restrict rivals’ access. To address these concerns, Baker Hughes and Chart must divest Chart’s proprietary process technology and its small-scale LNG process technology business, and ensure interoperability with third-party LNG equipment for a ten-year period. An independent trustee will monitor implementation. The case (M.12161) was notified on 21 May 2026.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Hydrogen originating in Russia and Belarus excluded from EU support mechanism
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1551 of 9 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026D1551) renews the exclusion of offers of hydrogen supplies from Russia and Belarus from collection through the Hydrogen Mechanism under Regulation (EU) 2024/1789. The ban extends until 30 July 2027, reflecting continued concerns regarding energy dependency and market manipulation. The Decision enters into force twenty days post-publication in the Official Journal.
Correction to emission trading administering authority list for shipping companies
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1453 of 2 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026D1453) corrects the list of shipping companies specifying the administering authority under Directive 2003/87/EC. Updates include reattributions and IMO number changes for specified companies recorded in Thetis-MRV prior to August 2025. The Decision enters into force twenty days after publication.
Provisional application of EU nuclear agreement with the UK regarding Gibraltar
Commission Decision (Euratom) 2026/1691 of 8 July 2026 (CELEX: 32026D1691) confirms the conclusion and provisional application, as of 15 July 2026, of the Agreement covering civil nuclear cooperation between the EU, the European Atomic Energy Community, and the United Kingdom for matters relating to Gibraltar.
EU Council
Upcoming Foreign Affairs Council to discuss Russia, Middle East, Black Sea strategy
On 13 July 2026, the Foreign Affairs Council will review developments relating to Russia’s war in Ukraine, the war in Iran, EU-UN relations, and implementation of the Black Sea strategy.
EP Committee Work
Temporary Decarbonisation Fund: ITRE Committee opinion adopted
On 6 July 2026, the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) adopted an opinion on the Commission’s proposal to establish the Temporary Decarbonisation Fund (COM(2025)0990). Rapporteur Massimiliano Salini (PPE) provided recommendations focused on supporting EU producers facing higher carbon-related costs and improving export competitiveness. The opinion will inform committee deliberations and negotiations.
ENVI Committee addresses multiple energy and decarbonisation files
At its extraordinary meeting on 6 July 2026, the ENVI Committee considered draft reports and opinions on several files. Danuše Nerudová (PPE) led discussions on amending Decision (EU) 2015/1814 and Regulation (EU) 2023/956 regarding the market stability reserve and CBAM scope extension. Pascal Canfin (Renew) served as rapporteur for the Temporary Decarbonisation Fund. Mohammed Chahim (S&D) reported on anti-circumvention measures. The agenda included electronic votes on draft reports and adoption of opinions, reflecting continued legislative progress across decarbonisation, emissions trading, and sectoral support.
What We're Reading This Week
- German households gaining ‘energy independence’ with battery boom: Surging adoption of home battery systems in Germany is enabling households to reduce reliance on traditional energy providers.
- 'Portugal is an energy island and needs more flexibility,' minister says: Portugal seeks increased energy flexibility to address its isolation from European power grids, according to the energy minister.
- ‘Big mistake to believe we're off the hook in Europe and beyond’ – IEA: IEA warns that energy security risks persist globally despite recent improvements, urging continued vigilance and policy action.
- Opinie | Turkey and Israel should trade energy, not insults: Energy cooperation between Turkey and Israel could boost regional stability and economic growth amid ongoing political tensions.
