The assessment of the National Energy and Climate Plans by the European Commission has found that EU Member States are closing in on their 2030 climate and energy targets. Collectively, the EU is approaching a 55 % reduction in GHG emissions, and close to reaching a share of 42.5 % of renewable energy – if Member States implement their existing and planned national measures, as well as EU policies. If these measures are upheld, this would demonstrate that the EU is staying the course on its climate commitments.
The Clean Industrial Deal and Affordable Energy Action Plan will complement the National Energy and Climate Plans through the mobilisation of investments in decarbonisation. The Commission will further work in collaboration with Member States to help them close the remaining gaps, paving the way towards decarbonisation for 2040, and climate neutrality by 2050.
According to Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth at the European Commission, “emissions are down 37 % since 1990, while the economy has grown nearly 70 % – proving climate action and growth go hand in hand”.
The next step is to transform plans into action; public funds will need to be directed to support transformative investments, encourage private investments, and both regional and European-level coordinated efforts will be required. The Commission has shared its intent to continue to support Member States’ efforts for the implementation of these actions, and to help address the remaining gaps. Belgium, Estonia and Poland are the final Member States which have not yet submitted their final National Energy and Climate Plans.