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The European Commission has announced looser state aid rules to accelerate green industrial projects and offer energy price relief for heavy industries, aiming to keep Europe competitive amid U.S. and Chinese pressure.
Businesses in the European Union will have greater access to state support for green transitions under new rules unveiled by the European Commission on Wednesday. The updated framework, valid through December 2030, is a core element of the Commission’s Clean Industrial Deal, a strategy designed to revitalise European industry and ensure it remains competitive on the global stage.
The changes make it easier for governments to offer aid in the form of direct grants, tax credits, subsidised loans, or loan guarantees for projects focused on reducing carbon emissions. Support can reach up to €200 million ($232 million) or be structured according to a project’s funding gap or the outcome of a competitive bidding process.
Private investors, such as pension funds and insurers, will also find it easier to co-invest in green initiatives under the revised rules.
Vice-President of the Commission Teresa Ribera said the new rules not only streamline decarbonisation efforts but position public support as a "strategic investment" in Europe’s future.
“It’s a tool to drive climate ambition, strengthen Europe’s resilience, and ensure our industry remains globally competitive,” she said.
Eligible projects include those focused on rolling out renewable energy and low-carbon fuels, along with broader investment schemes and capacity mechanisms. Meanwhile, heavy industries like cement and chemical production may apply for temporary electricity price relief, but only if they also commit to decarbonisation investments.
However, not all industry voices are convinced. Eurometaux, a metals industry association, argued the changes fall short of simplifying the regulatory landscape. Its Director General James Watson warned that the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework does not fully deliver on the EU’s promises of prosperity and competitiveness.
“While we welcome the investment support for critical raw material production, it is crucial to ensure that all enabling conditions are in place to support a strong and sustainable metals sector in Europe,” Watson said.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
France's minority government looks increasingly likely to be ousted next month after three main opposition parties said they would not back a confidence vote which Prime Minister Francois Bayrou announced for 8 September over his plans for sweeping €44 billion budget cuts.
The Al-Shifa Hospital, the largest medical facility in Gaza, is rapidly running out of medical supplies due to a prolonged Israeli blockade, plunging patients, including those injured in Israel's continued onslaught, into a dire situation.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 26th of August, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Typhoon Kajiki has killed at least three people and injured 10 others in Vietnam, authorities said on Tuesday as they warned that heavy rains could cause flooding and landslides.
U.S. President Donald Trump fired Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook on Monday, citing alleged mortgage fraud. It's the first-ever effort to remove a governor and could face a court challenge.
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