This Week in Environment — Brussels (#30, 2026)
Commission investigates Spain's arbitration award on renewables State aid; New CAP intervention for fertiliser crisis; CO2 emissions decision for 2024 automotive sector.
August 02, 2026 to August 08, 2026
Commission investigates Spain's arbitration award on renewables State aid; New CAP intervention for fertiliser crisis; CO2 emissions decision for 2024 automotive sector.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission opens State aid investigation into Spain's renewable arbitration award
On 3 August 2026, the European Commission announced an in-depth investigation under case number SA.102404 to assess the compatibility of an arbitration award requiring Spain to pay compensation to JGC Holdings Corporation for changes to renewable electricity support measures. The 2007 Spanish scheme was not approved under EU State aid rules, while its subsequent 2013 modification was. Following arbitration proceedings, Spain was ordered in 2021 to compensate JGC for losses attributed to the scheme change, with the payment assigned to Blasket Renewables Investment. The Commission's preliminary view is that the arbitration award constitutes State aid per Article 107(1) TFEU, raising questions regarding EU Treaties' compliance, the autonomy of the Union legal order, and potential discrimination under Article 18 TFEU. The Commission will determine whether the State aid measure is necessary, proportionate, and non-distortive, and the investigation allows Spain and third parties to submit comments.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
CO2 emissions performance values for 2024 passenger cars and light commercial vehicles published
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1907 of 29 July 2026, published on 5 August (CELEX: 32026D1907), specifies performance values for manufacturers and pools of new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles for calendar year 2024 pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2019/631. Competent authorities' registration data formed the basis of the calculations, with errors and corrections addressed in accordance with Article 7(5) of Regulation (EU) 2019/631. Excess emissions premiums will be imposed on manufacturers exceeding targets. The final values reflect verification procedures, including in-service checks by the Swedish Transport Authority.
CAP Strategic Plans amended for new fertiliser intervention amid Middle East crisis
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1897 of 31 July 2026, published on 3 August (CELEX: 32026R1897), amends Implementing Regulation (EU) 2021/2289. The amendment incorporates requirements for Member States to introduce a new type of intervention supporting farmers impacted by increased fertiliser prices as a result of the Middle East crisis. The regulation entered into force the day after publication and applies from 22 July 2026.
What We're Reading This Week
- Extreme heat continues to grip Southern Europe: Persistent high temperatures in Southern Europe raise concerns over health risks, wildfires, and disruptions to daily life.
- Video. First tiger released into the wild in Kazakhstan 70 years after Turan tiger extinction: Kazakhstan reintroduces tigers to the wild for the first time in 70 years, marking a milestone in species restoration efforts.
- Video. Extreme heat continues to grip Southern Europe: Southern Europe faces ongoing disruptions as record-breaking heatwaves threaten public health, agriculture, and daily life across the region.
- Video. Record low Danube levels prompt governments to take emergency action: Severe drought lowers Danube River to historic lows, forcing countries along its banks to implement urgent measures.
- Video. How heatwaves are reshaping Switzerland's glaciers: Rising temperatures are accelerating glacier melt in Switzerland, altering landscapes and posing new challenges for local communities and scientists.
