Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 07/07/2026Mercury thermometers have been banned in the EU for nearly 20 years. Can we now have a ban on the use of stale phrases like "the mercury creeps up" as the next round of hot weather approaches? 000
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 26/06/2026It's really not very good, is it? The roundabout, I mean, not @eddywax.bsky.social's story. www.euractiv.com/news/new-sch...euractiv.comNew Schuman roundabout is 'worst' possible outcome, says architect | EuractivThe symbolic EU plaza has become a barren concrete lagoon, after three years of building work 151
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 09/06/2026This one from @steporciello.bsky.social is worth a look, for anyone following the backlash against pro-EV policies. www.euractiv.com/news/key-epp...euractiv.comKey EPP lawmakers seek to kill or weaken clean company car law | EuractivThe Commission proposal would force corporate buyers to increase the share of electric vehicles in their fleets 010
Reposted by Robert HodgsonBEUC - The Consumer Voice @beuc.eu · 13/05/2026EU's new plans to boost rail travel "could be just the ticket to help consumers fall in love with train travel again” 🚆- our @arcapde.bsky.social in @euractiv.com 👇euractiv.comBrussels looks to boost rail travel with one-click ticketing rules | EuractivPassenger rights also overhauled in broad legislative package 093
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 12/05/2026Sing this from the rooftop of the Berlaymont. The medium is the message. 000
Reposted by Robert HodgsonGeorg Zachmann @gzachmann.bsky.social · 08/05/2026Do we have an oil supply crisis in the EU? 1/3 Official data sources cannot tell us, yet, as they lag the decisive months? On May 8th this is what we know: - Jodi: Feb26 - BAFA: Dec25 - Eurostat: Jan26 - IEA: Jan26 231
Reposted by Robert HodgsonLena Schilling @lenaats.bsky.social · 06/05/2026Booking an international train shouldn’t be a full-time job. 🚅 Why should crossing EU borders by rail require five tabs, three apps and a prayer? 🧵act.greens-efa.euOne continent, one ticket 🚅 - Actions GreensEFAGet on board our campaign and demand a Single European Train Ticket. 🎫 211234
Reposted by Robert HodgsonSenator Sheldon Whitehouse @whitehouse.senate.gov · 06/05/2026Trump is using taxpayer dollars to bribe huge corporations to abandon wind farms that would lower consumer prices by displacing expensive polluting fossil units — a political pay-off to his big fossil fuel donors. youtu.be/O73_qd8YQus?...youtu.beWhy the Trump administration is paying billions to abandon wind farmsYouTube video by PBS NewsHour 22242140
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 12/04/2026"You have sat too long for any good you have been doing lately ... In the name of God, go!" 100
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 07/04/2026Or, I suppose we could just hike interest rates again... Worked in 2022 didn't it? www.reuters.com/business/fin...reuters.comInflation scars risk quickly lifting expectations; ECB must be ready to act: policymakerEuro zone inflation expectations are at risk of rising more quickly than in the past and the European Central Bank must be ready to raise interest rates swiftly if signs of persistent price pressure... 010
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 07/04/2026We've been groping around this elephant in a darkened room for some time... We seem to have identified the problem... www.ecb.europa.eu/press/key/da...ecb.europa.euEurope’s road to renewablesThe European Central Bank (ECB) is the central bank of the European Union countries which have adopted the euro. Our main task is to maintain price stability in the euro area and so preserve the purch... 100
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 07/04/2026Now...if only there was an institution that could be used channel finance towards essential investment in renewable energy infrastructure... Keeping capital costs down... Ideally one whose core mandate is to keep inflation in check.... www.ecb.europa.eu/press/blog/d...ecb.europa.euEurope’s fossil fuel dependence poses risks to price stabilityThe European Central Bank (ECB) is the central bank of the European Union countries which have adopted the euro. Our main task is to maintain price stability in the euro area and so preserve the purch... 110
Reposted by Robert HodgsonJon Worth @jonworth.eu · 07/04/2026If you have half an eye on railway news, Europe-wide, it becomes clear *very quickly* that level crossings are a danger - and in the vast majority of cases to the people in the road vehicles Because normally a train obliterates the road vehicle And you can't really fully design out the danger 56413
Reposted by Robert Hodgsonjmglachant.bsky.social @jmglachant.bsky.social · 30/03/2026Nikolaus’ drones strike <EU is always as dependent on imported energy than long ago Yes EU has cleaned its domestic generation of electricity BUT… Not electrified the rest of EU energy consumption: Still 60% of our energy is imported >🙈 | @nkurmayer.bsky.social www.euractiv.com/news/europes...euractiv.comEurope’s energy illusion: Why a €1 trillion green bet hasn’t broken the import habit | EuractivThe war with Iran is exposing a hard truth – Europe’s green push has left it no less dependent on imported energy 063
Reposted by Robert HodgsonReuters @reuters.com · 19/03/2026Exclusive: Iran attack wipes out 17% of Qatar’s LNG capacity for up to five years, QatarEnergy CEO says reut.rs/4bB5MBWreut.rsExclusive: Iran attack wipes out 17% of Qatar’s LNG capacity for up to five years, QatarEnergy CEO saysIranian attacks have knocked out 17% of Qatar's liquefied natural gas (LNG) export capacity, causing an estimated $20 billion in lost annual revenue and threatening supplies to Europe and Asia, QatarEnergy's CEO told Reuters on Thursday. 65543
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 27/01/2026Exemplary reporting from 1945, all the more chilling for its restraint. www.bbc.com/videos/c87z7...bbc.comBBC Archive 1945: Richard Dimbleby describes BelsenRichard Dimbleby describes the scenes of almost unimaginable horror that greeted him as he toured Belsen concentration camp shortly after its liberation by the British in April 1945. 110
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 27/01/2026Another aspect of the EU Green Deal reversal: trade policy no longer to be used 'pour encourager les autres'. Read this take on the EU-India free-trade deal by Euractiv's @nkurmayer.bsky.social www.euractiv.com/news/brussel...euractiv.comBrussels jettisons EU green ideals to secure India trade agreement | EuractivRump deal with world’s most populous country is bereft of climate chapter 010
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 09/01/2026My colleague @steporciello.bsky.social seems to have got a long-overdue conversation going with this Christmas holiday feature. It's an idea so simple even [ ... ] could understand it. (And let's not forget about solar thermal either - it's not only about PV.) 000
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 09/01/2026Ho ho. Not an argument, just a statement of fact. Not saying it's likely. As far as being booted out by Republicans goes, experience so far would suggest he's probably right. 000
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 09/01/2026In the Senate, by my calculations, 20 would need to vote with the Democrats and indies to kick him out. A higher bar, admittedly...but there are the mid-terms. 100
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 09/01/2026I read that as "mortality"..! Actually, only a handful of Republican representatives would need to decide a red line has been crossed and screw their courage to the sticking place to impeach the president. 100
Reposted by Robert HodgsonGeorg Zachmann @gzachmann.bsky.social · 11/12/2025One question on #GridsPackage would be: Do all highways follow the North Star? [here, what it is about www.euractiv.com/news/brussels-pitches-north-star-for-eu-power-grid-planning-to-rein-in-electricity-prices/ by @nkurmayer.bsky.social ]euractiv.comBrussels pitches 'North Star' for EU power grid planning to rein in electricity prices | EuractivNationally minded grid planning is being blamed for the EU’s widening cross-border cable gap 021
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 01/10/2025We're hiring! Euractiv is looking for an experienced environment policy reporter jobs.euractiv.com/jobs/energy-... Deadline 19 October.jobs.euractiv.comEnergy, Environment & Transport Reporter – Euractiv Jobs 011
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 18/09/2025"This is what the Global Gateway is about". www.ftm.eu/articles/bit...ftm.euEU funds bitcoin mine in Congo jungle with development aidOver more than a decade, the EU spent millions on largely unsuccessful projects in a nature reserve in eastern Congo, led by a Belgian prince. These include a safari lodge in a war zone and a hydroele... 020
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 24/07/2025If there were any doubts about the Patriots for Europe group's intentions for the EU's 2040 emissions target after they grabbed control of the file, they're buried now. @barbarabm.bsky.social and @anetazach.bsky.social have the details. www.euractiv.com/section/eet/...euractiv.comFar-right Patriots for Europe move to kill EU's 2040 climate bill - Euractiv“It’s obvious that after having two legally binding targets for 2030 and 2050 this new target is not needed,” Knotek told Euractiv 021
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 23/07/2025An incomparably more informed and expert take can be found here: bsky.app/profile/duyc... 010
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 23/07/2025So there we have it: the UN Court holds that failure to implement the Paris Agreement (i.e. strive to arrest global heating at 1.5 degrees) can be construed as a violation of human rights. 100
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 23/07/2025“States must therefore take their obligations under international human rights law into account when implementing their obligations under the climate change treaties and other relevant environmental treaties.” 100
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 23/07/2025"[T]he adverse effects of climate change may significantly impair...such human rights as the right to health, the right to an adequate standard of living, which...encompasses access to food, water and housing...privacy, and the rights of women, children and indigenous people.” 100
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 23/07/2025"Rather than being entirely discretionary, as some participants argue, NDCs must satisfy certain standards under the Paris Agreement." 100
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 23/07/2025#ICJ is delivering its 'Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change': parties to the #ParisAgreement must pledge "highest possible ambition" in emissions cut pledges (NDCs). webtv.un.org/en/asset/k1c...webtv.un.orgTHE HAGUE – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivers its Advisory Opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate ChangeThe International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivers its advisory opinion on the Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change. 110
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 16/07/2025"Mounted on poles above homes, solar panels have become a common sight across the country of 240 million people, with the installation cost typically recovered within two to five years." 000
Reposted by Robert HodgsonJack Schickler @jackschickler.bsky.social · 16/07/2025The von der Leyen method: an update 073
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 16/07/2025#MFF EU budget anticipation at fever pitch in Brussels; presentation in parliament's BUDG committee already delayed 1.5 hrs (now 2pm, link below); hacks more choleric than usual over lack of communication from Berlaymont; @euractiv.com is your best bet. multimedia.europarl.europa.eu/en/webstream...multimedia.europarl.europa.euCommittee on Budgets Ordinary meeting - Multimedia CentreThe multimedia platform of the European Parliament is the official public available repository of the media production of the Secretariat of the European Parliament, managed by the Directorate-General... 010
Reposted by Robert HodgsonProf. Stefan Rahmstorf @rahmstorf.bsky.social · 19/06/2025"A glimmer of hope." Several research programs are trying to find out whether the #AMOC is heading for a tipping point. Chief scientist Kjetil Våge on the norwegian icebreaker Kronprins Haakon: "We need to do what we can to try to prevent that.” Good Nature feature! 🌊 www.nature.com/articles/d41...nature.comIs a monster web of ocean currents headed for collapse? The race is on to find outResearch ships rarely brave the Greenland Sea in winter. Early this year, scientists ventured into the ice-covered waters to capture crucial data about the planet’s future. 517451
Reposted by Robert HodgsonPermRep of Lithuania to the EU @lithuaniaineu.bsky.social · 16/06/2025🇱🇹, 🇱🇻, 🇪🇪 & 🇵🇱 are further strengthening their cooperation in the field of energy security. Today, during the #EU Energy Council #TTE meeting in #Luxembourg, the four countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation on the protection and resilience of critical energy infrastructure. 132
Reposted by Robert HodgsonDr. Raphael Weyland @raphaelweyland.bsky.social · 05/06/2025💦 The EU #Water Resilience Strategy has a good focus, including on implementation & enforcement of EU's #WFD. We like this dear @vonderleyen.ec.europa.eu + @jessikaroswall.ec.europa.eu. And we're here to help, by providing data etc. CC @nabu.de @bund.net @bundwasser.bsky.social @eeb.org #EUGreenDeal 022
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 04/06/20252 July is a big day for energy, environment and transport policy fans: @ec.europa.eu plans to table the 2040 GHG reduction target proposal, an Action Plan for the EU chemicals industry, and a Master Plan (no less) for the high-speed rail network. ec.europa.eu/transparency...ec.europa.eu 020
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 29/04/2025Spain / blackout. Would any power grid/market specialists like to suggest what might be going on behind this chart..? 000
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 28/04/2025This one's trending on the Euronews website, I'm told. www.euronews.com/my-europe/20...euronews.comEurope prepares for attacks on power grid while battling soaring costsThe EU has identified building up its power grid as an essential, and somewhat neglected, element in its efforts to move away from fossil fuels and cut energy bills – but it is also waking up to the n... 010
Reposted by Robert HodgsonAriel Brunner @arielbrunner.bsky.social · 27/03/2025I've been talking to ENDS Europe podcast about deregulation, the ongoing attack on NGOs and dangerous times for European democracy. embed.acast.com/$/6789360270...?embed.acast.comAcast Embed Player (377a84a64c1c2ad341d434d7b5fd740d87cc6381) 044
Reposted by Robert HodgsonJorge Liboreiro @jorgeliboreiro.bsky.social · 18/03/2025Ursula von der Leyen in Copenhagen: "To all the people of Greenland – and of Denmark as a whole – I want to be very clear that Europe will always stand for sovereignty and territorial integrity." 2125
Reposted by Robert HodgsonThea Riofrancos @triofrancos.bsky.social · 12/03/2025The critical minerals consensus—i.e. that some raw materials are so essential that all tactics, including war, are justified to obtain them—is hegemonic. The results could be deadly. This consensus shuts down debate: Critical for whom, obtained at whose expense? My latest in @financialtimes.com 411643
Reposted by Robert HodgsonThea Riofrancos @triofrancos.bsky.social · 12/03/2025Read here www.ft.com/content/b370...ft.comThe ‘critical minerals’ rush could result in a resource warLabelling justifies a preference for strong-arm tactics over co-operation 0237
Robert Hodgson @hodgson.bsky.social · 04/02/2025Trump may have just put rare earth elements on the radar with his ultimatum to Ukraine, but the geopolitical chess game has been going on for years. www.euronews.com/green/2024/0...euronews.comCritical raw materials: how the EU hopes to secure suppliesIf Russia's war on Ukraine shocked Europe into realising the folly of its dependence on Moscow for gas suppplies, growing geopolitical uncertainty has forced the EU to consider where it sources the ra... 031
Reposted by Robert HodgsonAdam Vaughan @adamvaughan.bsky.social · 30/01/2025The UK's full climate plan is now out (NDC), all 74 pages of it: www.gov.uk/government/p...gov.ukUK's 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) emissions reduction target under the Paris AgreementSubmission to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to provide clarity, transparency and understanding on the UK's NDC target to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions by at ... 0149