EU climate chief urges deeper electrification, renewables and nuclear to cut emissions

At a press event in Paris, EU climate, carbon-neutrality and clean-growth commissioner Wopke Hoekstra highlighted the need to stay on course with Europe's emissions-cutting goals following the hottest summer on record. He argued that reducing dependence on hydrocarbons requires a decisive push for extensive electrification, expanded renewable generation, nuclear power, and reinforced transmission grids with more inter-member connections.

Hoekstra is scheduled to meet France's economy and finance minister Roland Lescure and ecological transition minister Monique Barbut to align strategies. He will also bring these proposals to the COP31 climate conference in Antalya, Turkey. The commissioner stressed that the summer's extreme heat and rising energy prices underscore the stakes of swift action.