Poland Secures Coal Power Exemption in EU Energy Policy Deal
• Poland, backed by France and Bulgaria, won lobbying campaign for coal exemption in revised EU electricity market regulation
• Exemption allows EU member states to keep subsidizing old coal power plants until end of 2028
• Deal reached after 10 hours of negotiations between European Parliament and energy ministers
• Exemption criticized by environmental groups as rewarding inaction on transitioning away from coal
• Lawmakers also agreed on reforms like long-term energy contracts and limiting market profits to benefit consumers