Thursday 22 April 2021

EU reaches an agreement on 55% emissions cut by 2030

Lawmakers and representatives of the 27 member states of the European Union have reached a deal on new climate targets that will see the continent reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

Today's deal also includes a commitment to negative emissions after 2050 and the establishment of a European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change that will provide independent scientific advice.

The European Climate Law will turn the new target into a legal obligation for Europe.

The agreement still needs to be approved by the European Parliament and the European Council.

It comes one day after Boris Johnson announced a 78% emissions cut by 2035. 

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "I warmly welcome the agreement on the Climate Law.

"Our political commitment to becoming the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 is now also a legal one. The Climate Law sets the EU on a green path for a generation. It is our binding pledge to our children and grandchildren."

Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal Frans Timmermans added: “This is a landmark moment for the EU.

"We have reached an ambitious agreement to write our climate neutrality target into binding legislation, as a guide to our policies for the next 30 years. The Climate Law will shape the EU's green recovery and ensure a socially just green transition."