The European Union is close to meeting its legally binding climate target for 2030, aiming to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 1990 levels. Current plans are expected to achieve a 54% reduction, just one percentage point shy of the goal.

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• The EU is on track to cut net greenhouse gas emissions by 54% by 2030 versus 1990 levels.
• Governments have increased efforts in the last two years despite political opposition from some member states.
• Europe is experiencing severe climate impacts, including floods and wildfires, linked to global warming.
• High energy prices and threats of US tariffs have led to calls for softer green policies to protect businesses.
• EU plans to boost investment in clean technologies to aid industrial growth amid the green transition.
• Since 1990, emissions have dropped 37%, while the economy grew nearly 70%, showing climate action and growth can coexist.
• Renewables accounted for 24% of EU energy consumption in 2023, marking progress in the energy sector.
• Agriculture and transport sectors lag behind in emissions reductions, with farming exempt from some EU climate rules after protests.
• Wildfires and land use have harmed the EU’s natural carbon sinks, which may not improve by 2030.
• The EU’s 2030 climate target is among the world’s most ambitious; plans for a 2040 target are delayed due to political resistance.