On Friday 23 February, the European Commission published its assessments of the draft updated national energy/climate plans (NECPs) for 2021-2030 for Belgium (https://aeur.eu/f/az7 ), Ireland (https://aeur.eu/f/az8 ) and Latvia (https://aeur.eu/f/aza ). These assessments, accompanied by factsheets for each country, provide recommendations for these Member States to step up their commitments in line with the European Union’s climate objectives for 2030.
These documents are part of the previous assessments of 21 EU countries and the Communication aimed at assessing the overall impact of all projects, published in December 2023 (see EUROPE 13317/5).
After receiving clarifications on the projections on this subject, the Commission has also updated its recommendation to the Czech Republic (https://aeur.eu/f/az6 ) for its draft NECP, concerning the implementation of these objectives in the context of the Effort Sharing Regulation.
Member States are required to take account of these opinions and submit their final plans by 30 June 2024.
And for good reason, as the Commission points out, the NECPs are more than just a formality. They are each country’s roadmap for collectively achieving the EU’s legally binding target of a 55% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, as well as the corresponding energy and climate targets, in line with the ‘Fit for 55’ legislative package. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)