European Union narrowly misses climate targets for 2030

“This is very good news for the climate and our economies, even though there is still work to be done,” responded Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate and Clean Growth. “Emissions have decreased by 37 percent since 1990, while the economy has grown by nearly seventy percent, proving that climate action and growth go hand in hand.”

According to the EU, most member states are on track to contribute to the European goal of using 42.5 percent renewable energy by 2030. By 2050, the EU hopes to become climate neutral. The Commission had previously stated that it aims to reduce CO2 emissions by ninety percent by 2040 compared to 1990. However, it has not yet officially proposed this plan, as some member states consider that target unachievable.

The competition with China, the customs threats from U.S. President Donald Trump, and the rise of the far-right in various countries have led to the postponement of several laws, such as the anti-deforestation law, and the Commission will review a series of laws. However, the EU promises to have a new plan ready by the next climate summit (COP30) in Brazil.

Three countries, namely Belgium, Estonia, and Poland, have not yet submitted an energy-climate plan. Flemish Minister of Climate Melissa Depraetere stated in mid-May that she wants to have an energy-climate plan ready by summer after Belgium missed the second deadline of May 12. Last November, the European Commission also initiated an infringement procedure against Belgium.