EU on track: 2030 climate targets could become reality – but how?

EU on track: 2030 climate targets could become reality – but how?

The European Commission is optimistic that the EU can achieve its 2030 climate target. The Community currently aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 54% compared to 1990, which is just below the 55% target. This assessment is based on the analysis of the Member States' National Energy and Climate Plans (NECP), with the Commission emphasizing that the responsibility for achieving the targets lies with all states. While emissions have been reduced by 37% since 1990, the economy has grown by almost 70%, underlining the link between climate action and economic progress, said EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra.

However, there are significant challenges to overcome. There are still gaps to be closed in several sectors, such as transport, buildings and agriculture, which are crucial for achieving climate goals. What is particularly striking is that the gap in renewable energy targets is only 1.5%, which is a positive indicator of progress. However, more decisive measures are needed to significantly improve energy efficiency. The “Green Deal”, a central instrument for reducing emissions, provides for new requirements for various areas. Nevertheless, the implementation of climate laws in the member states remains a major challenge.

Lack of plans and target negotiations

A particularly critical point is that the NECPs of Belgium, Estonia and Poland are still pending. Although their overall objectives have already been incorporated into the Commission's assessment, it calls for the plans to be submitted immediately. For the EU's long-term goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050, the Commission aims to reduce emissions by at least 90% by 2040. However, this requirement is seen as unduly ambitious by some member states and in the European Parliament.

Negotiations around the 2040 target are proving difficult because some member states consider the target to be unrealistic. An official declaration of the climate target, also known as National Determined Contributions (NDCs), is expected no later than September this year. The submission deadline originally set for February was exceeded, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Progress and outlook

A report from the EU Environment Agency points to progress in reducing emissions, but some experts express skepticism about the EU Commission's confidence. According to them, almost achieving the goals could be seen as a failure in practice. At the same time, a report from the World Weather Organization predicts a new global temperature record in the next five years, underscoring the urgency of immediate action.

In summary, although the EU is well on its way to achieving its climate goals, significant efforts, joint and coordinated by all Member States, are needed to ensure the desired climate neutrality by 2050. The challenges are diverse, but the path to a more sustainable Europe is neither unrealistic nor necessary.

Further details on the development of the EU climate targets can be found in the articles from Eco test and The time.