European Union Nearly on Track to Meet 2030 Climate Target

• 29 May 2025

On 28th May 2025, the European Commission reported that the EU is set to reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by 54% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels—just 1% short of its legally binding goal of 55%.

Key Points

• Near Target Achievement: EU plans and policies currently place the bloc within one percentage point of the 55% emission reduction goal by 2030.
• Emission Reduction So Far: Emissions have fallen 37% since 1990 while the EU economy has grown nearly 70%, showing climate action can align with economic growth.
• Energy Sector Progress: Renewable energy accounted for 24% of EU energy consumption in 2023, driving strong emissions reductions.
• Lagging Sectors: Agriculture and transport remain behind targets, with agriculture partly exempt from climate measures due to protests and political compromises.
• Challenges: Record wildfires have worsened land use impacts, reducing natural carbon sinks such as forests and grasslands, which are not expected to improve by 2030.
• Political Context: Despite progress, some EU countries call for softer green policies amid energy price hikes and economic pressures; a proposed 2040 climate target has been delayed due to pushback.