The European Union is edging closer to achieving its 2030 climate target, with existing national plans projected to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 54% from 1990 levels—just one percentage point short of its legally binding goal, the European Commission revealed on Wednesday.
According to a new Commission analysis, intensified efforts across member states over the past two years have kept the bloc within reach of its emissions reduction pledge, despite rising political resistance to parts of the EU’s green agenda.
The findings come amid mounting pressure from governments and industries hit hard by surging energy costs following Russia’s 2022 cut in gas supplies, and fears over the economic impact of potential US tariffs. Some member states are now urging Brussels to ease climate regulations to safeguard businesses.
Still, the EU’s overall emissions were 37% lower in 2023 compared to 1990, even as the economy expanded by nearly 70% over the same period. “This shows that climate action and economic growth can go hand in hand,” said EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra. “We must now build on this momentum by investing more in clean technologies to support industry through the green transition.”
The energy sector has led the way, with renewables accounting for 24% of EU energy consumption in 2023. However, agriculture and transport continue to lag. The Commission’s report highlights ongoing challenges in these sectors, compounded by widespread farmer protests last year against green policies. In response, the EU scaled back several environmental requirements for farmers.
Meanwhile, climate-linked wildfires have further eroded the land’s ability to store carbon. The EU’s natural carbon sink, encompassing forests and grasslands, is now projected to remain stagnant through 2030.
Despite the obstacles, the EU’s 2030 target remains among the most ambitious globally. Yet political headwinds have delayed the Commission’s announcement of a post-2030 climate objective for 2040, raising concerns over the bloc’s longer-term environmental commitments.
