A Tale of Two Crises: Climate Policy and Distributional Effects in the Coronavirus Recovery Package

The economic stimulus package, which was put forward at the beginning of June, also takes climate and energy policy aspects into account: on the positive side, for example, the increasing decarbonization, which requires both increased sector coupling and new technologies, has been accounted for by providing funds for a hydrogen strategy. However, the approach remains at a sector- and technology-specific level. It also makes sense to avoid an increase in the EEG surcharge through the use of budget funds from the distribution and relief elements; however, it should be clearly stated whether and to what extent a permanent reduction of the EEG surcharge beyond 2022 is intended.