The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) published, on Monday 3 February, an assessment report on the implementation of the European Green Deal. The document takes stock of the progress made between 2019 and 2024 as part of the European Union’s green transition, based on 154 quantifiable targets from 44 policy documents.
According to the report, which is structured around seven main themes - climate ambition, clean and affordable energy, circular economy, sustainable mobility, agriculture and food, biodiversity and pollution - 62% of the targets are making progress.
21% are well on the way to being achieved and for 41% of the targets, the pace will need to be accelerated to meet the ambitions set.
However, no less than 10% of targets are showing rather stagnant or even declining trends. In addition, 28% do not yet have usable data.
The JRC notes that the European Union’s target of a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 55% by 2030, which is enshrined in European climate legislation, may not be achieved unless efforts are stepped up.
And with good reason: the sectors covered by the effort-sharing regulation, such as transport, construction, agriculture, small-scale industry and waste, are struggling to meet their targets, notably because of the slow reduction in methane emissions and the decline in the forest carbon sink.
In terms of energy, the EU is making progress in diversifying its sources and developing renewable energies.
Nevertheless, achieving the target of 42.5% renewable energy by 2030 will remain closely linked to the strengthening of electricity and hydrogen production infrastructures, as well as increased investment in offshore wind and solar energy.
Energy efficiency is therefore a key priority.
In the area of the circular economy, 13 of the 37 targets identified are legally binding.
While the recycling of batteries and strategic raw materials has improved significantly, efforts must be stepped up to reduce packaging and food waste.
The EU’s consumption of resources remains excessive, and economic growth is still too strongly correlated with the exploitation of resources.
For sustainable mobility, reducing emissions by 90% by 2050 will require a pace ten times faster than that observed since 2005.
The JRC is also calling for the development of electric and hydrogen recharging infrastructures to triple by 2030.
In addition, although the development of sustainable fuels for aviation and the maritime sector is continuing, the renewal of the heavy vehicle fleet is still too slow.
The report reiterates the importance of effective local implementation and the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies. It also calls for better coordination between local, national and European levels to ensure a fair and inclusive transition.
This assessment should serve as a reference for adjusting policies and stepping up efforts to achieve a climate-neutral European Union by 2050. To this end, the JRC will continue its work of analysis and identification of levers for action to ensure the successful implementation of the ‘Green Deal’.
The report: https://aeur.eu/f/fd3 (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)