EU Member States have significantly closed the gap to achieving the 2030 energy and climate targets, according to the latest Commission assessment of national energy and climate plans.
EU countries have substantially improved their plans, says the Commission. As a result, the EU is closing in collectively on a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and reaching a share of at least 42.5% of renewable energy.
“The updated National Energy and Climate Plans show that the green agenda is not just a target but a way to modernise our economies and to bet on industrial innovation and more opportunities for Europeans,” said EC vice-president Teresa Ribera: “Our task now is to deepen in our capacities and boost action with no delays. We can deliver 55% and we need to build the conditions to reach 90% by 2040.”
The Commission’s assessment shows that the EU is currently on course to reduce net GHG emissions by around 54% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, if EU Member States implement fully existing and planned national measures and EU policies. In the current geopolitical context, the EU is staying the course on its climate commitments, investing in the clean energy transition and prioritising the EU’s industrial competitiveness.
Strategic initiatives such as the Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan will complement NECPs in mobilising investments in industrial decarbonisation and clean technology, making the best use of Europe’s homegrown renewable potential and energy efficient solutions, helping to deliver lower and more stable energy prices over time.
The Commission says EU Member States are demonstrating resolve to reduce Europe’s dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve the resilience and security of energy supplies and infrastructure, accelerate the integration of the internal energy market and support those who need it the most with investments and skills development.
The Commission says its assessment provides a solid foundation for discussions on the next steps in the EU’s decarbonisation journey towards 2040 and reaching climate neutrality by 2050. The EU executive says it will intensify work with Member States to close the remaining gaps and implement additional guidance, set out in today’s assessment.
Communication: An EU-wide assessment of the final updated NECPs
