EU climate law
With the adoption of the EU's climate law in April 2021, the goal of a climate-neutral EU in 2050, put forward by the European Green Pact, became legally binding. This means that the EU institutions and member states are obliged to take and implement the necessary initiatives to achieve the goal. The adoption of the Climate Act raises the ambitions for reducing greenhouse gases and makes it easier for European citizens and companies to plan the transition to climate neutrality.
Specifically, the Climate Act stipulates that a zero emission of greenhouse gases must be achieved for EU countries by 2050. This is desired through a reduction in CO2 emissions, investment in green technologies and by protecting the natural environment.
In addition, the EU's climate law deals with:
- An increase in the EU's target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from 40% to at least 55% by 2030
- An obligation for EU institutions and the member states to achieve the goals
- Monitoring of progress at EU and national level, reassessed every five years from 2023 to ensure progress
In order to support and ensure a sustainable transformation of the EU towards climate neutrality in 2050, the European Commission will draw up a proposal for a reduction target for 2040. In addition, they will publish a 'greenhouse gas budget' that determines the maximum amount of greenhouse gases that may be emitted , without undermining the commitments adopted in connection with The Paris Agreement. The reduction target for 2040 will thus include determined on the basis of the 'greenhouse gas budget'.