European Union countries are failing to meet their primary climate change target, and without more robust emissions-cutting policies, they risk falling short of the bloc's legally-binding goal, warns the European Commission on Monday.
In an evaluation of national climate plans submitted by EU countries, the Commission indicates that these measures collectively aim to reduce net EU greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030. However, this falls below the bloc's binding target of a 55% reduction in emissions.
While overall progress is observed, with EU emissions declining since 1990 and a significant rise in renewable energy installations, the pace is insufficient to align with Europe's ambitious climate objectives.
The primary source of greenhouse gas emissions in Europe, as globally, remains the burning of fossil fuels. The recent U.N. COP28 climate summit witnessed aspirations for a global deal to “phase out” fossil fuels, resulting in a compromise to transition away from them.
The Commission notes that all EU countries have initiated reductions in fossil fuel use, but the pace varies, and some nations hinder the shift by persisting in subsidizing fossil fuels.
“Fossil fuel subsidies remain a major obstacle to the clean energy transition and a drag on the EU's climate objectives,” states the Commission.
Certain countries, including Germany and Romania, plan to continue burning coal beyond 2030, impacting their ability to cut CO2 emissions. Germany is contemplating advancing its coal phase-out from 2038 to 2030. The Commission emphasizes the need for stronger plans to support workers affected by the green transition.
Despite projections that the EU could derive 39.3% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030, a substantial increase from the 22.5% share in 2022, it still falls short of the 42.5% target by 2030. This target aims to reduce dependency on Russian fossil fuels.
The assessment covered national plans from 21 countries, with Austria, Bulgaria, and Poland not submitting plans, and Belgium, Ireland, and Latvia submitting theirs late. Final plans are expected by June 2024.
The Commission highlights sectors where CO2 reduction efforts are lagging, including transport, agriculture, and forest protection to enhance carbon storage.
