European Commission proposes 55% cut in emissions by 2030
The European Commission has revealed plans to reduce European Union (EU) greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
The announcement comes after Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's State of the Union speech, in which she made the pledge, and accelaerates the EU's environmental goals for the next decade. The aim is to put the EU on a balanced pathway to reaching climate neutrality by 2050.
President von der Leyen said: “We are doing everything in our power to keep the promise that we made to Europeans: make Europe the first climate neutral continent in the world, by 2050.
"With the new target to cut EU greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, we will lead the way to a cleaner planet and a green recovery. Europe will emerge stronger from the coronavirus pandemic by investing in a resource-efficient circular economy, promoting innovation in clean technology and creating green jobs.”
Frans Timmermans, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, said: “In this crucial moment for our health, our economy and for global climate action, it is essential that Europe leads the way to a green recovery. We owe it to our children and grandchildren to take action now.
"Today, Europe is showing the world how we will enhance the wellbeing and prosperity of our citizens in the next decade as we work towards our goal of climate neutrality by 2050.”
The Commission's assessment shows that the EU is on track to surpass its current 2030 emissions reduction target of at least 40%, thanks to ongoing progress in deploying renewable energy across Europe. To reach the new goal of 55%, the Union will have to further increase energy efficiency and the share of renewable energy. This will now be subject to further consultation and analysis before legislative proposals are presented by the Commission in June 2021.
To support the necessary investments, the Commission has also adopted the rules for a new EU Renewable Energy Financing Mechanism, to make it easier for Member States to work together to finance and deploy renewable energy projects.
