Net greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union (EU) fell by 8% last year, marking a significant step towards climate neutrality. This sharp decline was mainly driven by reduced coal use, increased renewable energy sources and lower energy consumption across Europe, according to the latest estimates in the 'Trends and Projections' report from the European Environment Agency (EEA), which has been published. The EEA's annual report on the EU's progress towards energy and climate goals highlights that EU Member States must maintain this course to achieve climate and energy goals.
In 2023, net greenhouse gases in the EU were estimated to be 37% below 1990 levels, according to preliminary figures in the EEA report. After two years of slow progress, due to recovery from the COVID crisis and the impact of the energy crisis, the EU appears to be back on track for a solid reduction in emissions. However, in the coming years, it will be necessary to continue this reduction towards the 2030 targets and beyond, the report says.
Ambitious climate goals for the future
The EU Climate Law sets ambitious greenhouse gas reduction targets: by 2030, emissions should be reduced by 55% net compared to 1990, and by 2050 the EU should be climate neutral to meet Europe’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. This target also includes net removals in the land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) sectors, as well as emissions from international aviation and maritime transport, which are regulated under EU law. In addition, the European Commission has recommended a 90% net reduction target by 2040.
Growth of renewable energy sources
The rapid expansion of renewable energy sources, together with a reduction in fossil fuels, has enabled the accelerated decarbonisation of the European economy. According to EEA estimates, the share of renewable energy increased from 10% in 2005 to 24% of gross final energy consumption in the EU in 2023. Furthermore, energy consumption in the EU has continued to decline: primary energy consumption has decreased by 2005% since 19, while final consumption has decreased by 11% over the same period.
Major reductions in the energy sector
Greenhouse gas reductions vary by economic sector. The energy sector has halved emissions since 2005, while the industrial sector has reduced its emissions by more than a third thanks to process improvements and efficiency gains. These two sectors contribute significantly to the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), which is helping the EU achieve its 2030 emissions reduction target.
However, additional efforts are still needed for sectors covered by the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) – such as the built environment, transport, waste and agriculture. While the built environment has already achieved a significant reduction of over 30% since 2005, progress in the transport and agriculture sectors is lagging behind. This calls for a shift towards sustainable transport modes and additional measures to exploit the emission reduction and carbon removal potential of the agriculture sector.
Looking ahead to 2040 and 2050
The EEA report highlights that maintaining progress towards climate neutrality requires clear and predictable policy measures, especially after 2030. The recommendation for a 90% net reduction target by 2040 and sufficient investments are crucial for the transition to a net-zero emissions economy.
To achieve the 2040 and 2050 targets, EU policies will need to be further developed and expanded. Existing projections show a growing gap between expected national emissions and the EU targets. Further policy developments and measures are needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and boost carbon removals, so that the EU can achieve its climate neutrality goal within the next two and a half decades.
Source: European Environment Agency
