EU reaches agreement on national emission reductions from transport, buildings, agriculture

This agreement establishes binding annual greenhouse gas emission targets for Member States in sectors not currently included in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The agreement importantly maintains the Commission's proposal to boost the emission reduction target for these sectors from 29% to 40% by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. The updated emission reduction targets for Member States range from -10% to -50% compared to 2005, and will result in a further convergence of Member States' emissions per capita in 2030. Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans said: “Today we took another important step towards delivering Europe's climate ambition for 2030. It is a strong signal to COP27 that the EU is taking the necessary measures to cut emissions by at least 55% by 2030. The sectors covered in the Effort Sharing Regulation currently generate about 60% of greenhouse gas emissions. Getting to a green and healthy future for all will require considerable work in every sector and every country. Our agreement today provides clarity about the effort required in every Member State and ensures solidarity in the way Europe reaches its climate targets.” This agreement is the latest step in the adoption of the Commission's ‘Fit for 55' legislative package to deliver the European Green Deal, following the recent deal to end the sale of new CO2 emitting cars in Europe by 2035. With COP27 in full swing, it again shows that the EU is delivering on its climate commitments, moving from ambition to action. Against the backdrop of Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine it also shows that the EU is not backtracking on its green transition, but is rather accelerating efforts to become the world's first climate neutral continent by 2050. The sectors covered by the ESR include building, agriculture, waste, small industry, and transport.

More information is available in our press release, and the initial Commission proposal can be found here.