The European Union stood united for strong climate action and the Paris Agreement goals at the COP30 UN Climate Change Conference in the heart of the Amazonas. While aiming for more ambition, EU negotiators worked with partners to secure an agreement that recognises the need to keep the 1.5C limit of global average temperatures within reach, and to transition away from fossil fuels. […]
Parliament backs 90% reduction in EU emissions by 2040
Parliament wants to reduce pollutant emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990, in order to move towards climate neutrality in the EU by 2050. The plenary took a position on Thursday on the Commission’s proposal amending the EU’s climate law and setting new binding interim climate targets for 2040, including a 90% reduction in […]
EU sets new methodology to clarify rules for low-carbon hydrogen and fuels
Last July 8, the European Commission reaffirms its commitment to supporting the development of a hydrogen market by introducing a comprehensive greenhouse gas emission methodology for low-carbon hydrogen and fuels, as set out in the Hydrogen and Gas Market Directive. This methodology complements the existing ones on renewable hydrogen and renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs), completing […]
EU Climate Law presents a new way to reach 2040
The European Commission has proposed on 2 July an amendment to the EU Climate Legislation, setting an EU climate target for 2040 of a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to 1990 levels, as called for in the Commission’s policy guidelines for 2024-2029. It will provide certainty for investors, innovation, strengthen the […]
EU Review of Final Energy and Climate Plans: Questions and Answers
In this publication, we attach a press release from the Commission on the National Energy and Climate Plans. Are the EU and its Member States set to meet the EU’s binding energy and climate targets for 2030? The Commission assessment of the final National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) indicates that, overall, Member States have presented significant improvements […]
Maritime transport: environmental and sustainability challenges persist.
Europe’s maritime sector is making progress towards greater sustainability but will need to increase its efforts over the coming years to meet EU climate and environment goals aimed at reducing energy use, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions as well as better protecting biodiversity. That is according to the second edition of the European Maritime Transport Environmental […]
Growth of renewable energy in Europe leads to a significant drop in greenhouse gas emissions
The European Commission has published today the 2024 Climate Action Progress Report, showing that net EU greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions fell by 8.3% in 2023 compared to the previous year. This is the largest annual drop in decades, with the exception of 2020 when COVID-19 led to emission cuts of 9.8%. Net GHG emissions are now 37% below 1990 levels, while […]
EU’s greenhouse gas emissions dropped last year, but accelerated efforts still needed to meet ambitious 2030 targets
Greenhouse gas emissions dropped by two percent last year across the European Union, compared to 2021 levels according to estimates in the latest European Environment Agency (EEA) ‘Trends and Projections’ report published on last 24th October. However, despite gains made in emissions reductions, renewable energy and energy efficiency, the report cautions that accelerated action is […]
Energy: key to the EU’s climate ambitions
Europe is moving towards a low-carbon energy future. 2020 was an important milestone, with the EU reaching its first three climate and energy targets, namely reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20% compared to 1990 levels, increasing the share of renewable energy used to 20% and improving energy efficiency by 20%. With the exception of the […]