Climate action and the Green Deal

Path to climate neutrality

The European Green Deal aims to make Europe climate neutral by 2050. To make this objective legally binding, the Commission proposed the European Climate Law, which also sets a new, more ambitious net greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of at least -55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

In order to achieve our decarbonisation objectives, emissions must be reduced in all sectors, from industry and energy, to transport and farming. Climate change is a global threat and can only be addressed by a global response. That is why the EU actively engages and supports its international partners on climate action, in particular through the UN Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement. In parallel to mitigation actions, the EU is taking action on climate adaptation, to face the unavoidable impacts of climate change.

In February 2024, the Commission presented an intermediate 2040 climate target for the EU. Reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, would ensure the EU can deliver on its commitment to be climate neutral by 2050. The European Parliament and the Member States are now discussing this target. The next Commission will put forward legislative proposals on that basis.

More information on EU climate action

The Commission itself joined the European Climate Pact and pledged to make its operations climate neutral by 2030. In its Communication and action plan on Greening the Commission adopted in April 2022, the Commission committed to gradually reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 60% compared to 2005 and to compensate any remaining emissions in 2030 with high quality certified carbon removals.

Five young children smiling while holding flowers — RJ.RJ. Wave / Adobe Stock

New rules to phase out fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) enter into force

11 March - The European Union will save our planet from 310 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent harmful emissions, thanks to the Regulation on fluorinated greenhouse gases. On its core lays the EU-wide phasing out by 2050 of the most common F-gases, the hydrofluorocarbons, used for instance in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pumps. The regulation aims to spark innovation for a new age of green technology, while inspiring countries outside the EU to take similar measures to safeguard the planet for future generations.

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