This week in EU policy: Historic agreement and impact firms to shape AI policy

Each week, I'll keep you in the loop on the most important news in the EU policy ecosystem. This week – lot's of things has happened – and the three most important ones are:

1. IMO agrees historic shipping emissions limit

The news: The International Maritime Organization has – after a very long time – agreed a plan for mandatory limits on carbon emissions for large ocean-going ships, with a view to a net-zero target by 2050.

What happens now: The measures are to be formally adopted late in 2025, and go into force in 2027.

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What it means for impact companies and investors: This is a big step in itself, as shipping is a big part of overall emissions. And it’s of course particularly good for impact companies working in the maritime emissions-reduction space, like Marseille-based Syroco, which helps shipping companies plot more fuel-efficient courses. With a hard deadline looming, companies that specialise in such efficiency platforms, and indeed clean retrofitting or lower-emission fuels, can expect a lot of interest.

2. New German coalition (tentatively) backs EU climate ambitions

The news: The new German coalition government has announced its policy agreement. Among the many policy areas, the new coalition has endorsed the EU’s target for 90% emissions reduction by 2040, however they have also insisted on being allowed to offset some emissions by funding outside reduction projects. The coalition has also said it will implement a new CSR law in line with the EU’s policy agenda.

What happens now: This is the blueprint for the new government’s agenda in the coming years, and a lot of it is still vague. The conservative Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democrats bloc is expected to be sworn in as chancellor early May, and from there we’ll be keeping a close watch.

What it means for impact companies and investors: Germany of course has a lot of financial and political weight in Europe, what they do and say matters. The impact community has been waiting to see what the government under Merz – not known to be particularly concerned with climate change – would prioritise.

Industry insiders in Germany I’ve spoken to have said they welcome these signals from Merz that he is willing to work with the EU on its climate agenda, but wish he’d have more of his own ambition, particularly on energy infrastructure and pushing climate innovation.

3. Commission announces AI-science consultation

The news: The European Commission has announced the opening of a consultation round for future 'European Strategy for Artificial Intelligence in Science.' The idea is to shape the EU’s strategy on improving AI infrastructure, harmonising policy, attracting talent and focussing resources.

What happens now: The consultation runs until early June, at which point all the information collected will be used to shape the EU’s AI Strategy. That will sit alongside concurrent programmes such as the AI Continent Action Plan in guiding policy.

What it means for impact companies and investors: This is one where the impact community can get involved and help shape the future landscape. The consultation calls for researchers and the broader innovation community to share their thoughts on what’s needed. Founders, researchers and investors looking to how AI can help solve environmental and social benefit have the chance to make sure impact is not forgotten in the continent’s AI ambitions.

If you have any thoughts on this round-up, what should or should not be in here, or you want to reach out with a tip of your own, feel free to get in touch – editorial@loop.se.