Driving Europe’s transition to a low-carbon economy

The Commission presented on 20 July a package of measures to accelerate the transition to low-carbon emissions in all sectors of the economy in Europe.

In 2014 the EU agreed to a clear commitment: to collectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions of at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels across all sectors of the economy. The proposals present binding annual greenhouse gas emissions targets for Member States from 2021-2030 for the transport, buildings, agriculture, waste, land-use and forestry sectors as contributors to EU climate action. The new framework is based on the principles of fairness, solidarity, cost-effectiveness and environmental integrity. All Member States are concerned, as they will be in the forefront in deciding how to implement the measures to meet the agreed 2030 target. The Commission is also presenting a strategy on low-emission mobility setting the course for the development of EU-wide measures on low and zero-emission vehicles and alternative low-emissions fuels.

In the EU, efforts have already started to align private investments with climate and resource-efficiency objectives. The EU financial instruments are significant contributors to climate funding. Over 50% of the investments approved so far are climate relevant. As part of the Investment Plan for Europe, the European Fund for Strategic Investments is on track to deliver on mobilising at least EUR 315 billion in additional investment in the real economy by mid-2018. In addition, the Commission actively works to ensure that the EU budget spending is aligned with climate objectives. At least 20% of the current EU budget is explicitly climate related.

Communication – Accelerating Europe’s transition to a low-carbon economy

Fact sheet: Questions and answers on the Commission’s proposal on binding greenhouse gas emissions reduction for Member States (2021-2030)

Legislative proposals

Impact Assessment

Impact Assessment – Executive Summary

Source: European Commission – Climate Action
Energy Union and Climate Action: Driving Europe’s transition to a low-carbon economy