European households face high energy prices due to inefficient buildings, prompting climate organizations to write to the EU Commission ahead of a new directive on building energy performance expected on December 14. Experts call for long-term political solutions to avoid future energy crises and achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Jan Rosenow of The Regulatory Assistance Project links the current crisis to EU's gas dependence for heating, with 40% of EU gas imports used by the housing sector. Irish MEP Ciarán Cuffe emphasizes the need for deep renovations, especially in social housing, and suggests funding through European financial institutions. The article suggests that while financial support can alleviate immediate pressures, it does not address the root cause of excessive gas consumption.

The European Parliament has agreed to raise climate ambitions ahead of the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, aiming to maintain the EU's leadership in the global fight against climate change. The 'Fit-for-55' package is expected to set an example by aligning with the Paris Agreement's goal to limit global warming to below two degrees compared to pre-industrial levels. Danish MEPs, including Niels Fuglsang, Morten Helveg, and Pernille Weiss, expressed hopes that the package will influence global climate ambitions. However, there are concerns about the pace of the climate fight and the need for more ambitious targets, especially in renewable energy and binding energy efficiency directives.

Poland’s prime minister defended his government’s challenge to the primacy of EU law during a heated debate in the European Parliament, where many MEPs warned that the move undermines EU values and judicial independence. Parliament later adopted a resolution asserting that Poland’s constitutional court lacks legitimacy and urging EU institutions to take action. MEPs also criticized Poland’s restrictive abortion laws. The week’s sessions focused heavily on climate policy ahead of COP26, with calls for stronger global commitments, increased climate financing for developing countries, and binding targets to reduce methane emissions.

Climate activists across Europe gather in recurring strikes to demand stronger climate action from EU institutions and national governments. Participants argue that current EU climate policies lack ambition and perpetuate global inequality, with criticism directed at proposed emissions taxes and insufficient systemic change. Activists emphasize global responsibility, fair resource distribution, and the need for both national and international action to address climate and biodiversity crises.

Vulnerable households across the EU, particularly women, face growing energy poverty as the EU advances its climate goals. The European Commission’s proposed Social Climate Fund aims to soften the impact of green measures but is criticized for insufficient attention to gender disparities and intersecting vulnerabilities such as age, disability and socioeconomic status. Experts and NGOs argue that women are disproportionately affected due to lower income, caregiving burdens and responsibility for household energy use. Testimonies from Spain highlight the severity of the issue and the role of civil society networks in supporting affected individuals. Calls intensify for the EU to adopt a broader and more inclusive definition of energy poverty to ensure a socially just green transition.

Recent unrest in Northern Ireland reflects a mix of historical tensions, socioeconomic deprivation, Brexit-related pressures and pandemic‑driven frustrations, according to artist and Belfast resident Niamh McCann. She describes the legacy of sectarian conflict, inherited trauma and limited community resources as factors contributing to youth involvement in street violence. While acknowledging ongoing challenges, she highlights progress in social integration, shifting attitudes among younger generations, and a vibrant cultural scene that contrasts sharply with media portrayals focused on conflict.

Civil society voices in Ukraine highlight frustration over slow reforms and persistent corruption following the Maidan revolution, while balancing pressures from both Russia and the West. Activists and analysts describe a population determined to secure genuine independence and accountable institutions, yet still hindered by entrenched elites and geopolitical dependencies. Experts warn that unresolved crimes from the revolution, ineffective political structures and external pressures could fuel further unrest unless the government strengthens transparency, collaboration with civil society and overall institutional credibility.