Key EU climate and energy targets are set in the 2020 climate and energy package
The package sets three key targets:
• 20% cut in greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 levels)
• 20% of EU energy from renewables
• 20% improvement in energy efficiency
• The EU is on track to meet the 20% emissions reduction target for 2020.
Key targets for 2030:
The framework was adopted by the European Council in October 2014. The targets for renewables and energy efficiency were revised upwards in 2018.
The EU has put in place legislation to reduce emissions by at least 40% by 2030 – as part of the EU’s 2030 climate and energy framework and contribution to the Paris Agreement.
This includes, among others, Legislation on renewable energy, energy efficiency and governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action.
The effective implementation of all climate, energy and mobility targets laid down in Union law could lead to EU greenhouse gas reductions up to around 45% in 2030 compared to 1990.
On 28 November 2018, the Commission presented its strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate-neutral economy by 2050: A Clean Planet for all – A European strategic long-term vision for a prosperous, modern, competitive and climate neutral economy
The strategy shows how Europe can lead the way to climate neutrality by investing into realistic technological solutions, empowering citizens, and aligning action in key areas such as industrial policy, finance, or research – while ensuring social fairness for a just transition.
These targets are defined to put the EU on the way to achieve the transformation towards a low-carbon economy as detailed in the 2050 long-term strategy.
