EU Advances Towards 2030 Climate Targets with Continued Emissions Cuts
The Commission’s 2025 Climate Action Progress Report reveals that the EU is further reducing emissions in 2024, maintaining its path towards the 2030 climate goals. This progress results from clean energy expansion, enhanced policies, increased investments, and intensified efforts in adaptation and global climate finance.
Emissions Reduction and Targets
In 2024, the EU achieved a 2.5% decrease in net greenhouse gas emissions compared to the previous year. This progress keeps the EU on track to meet its target of a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030, relative to 1990 levels, assuming full implementation of current and planned policies combined with substantial investments from the EU and Member States.
Since 1990, greenhouse gas emissions in the EU have dropped by over 37%, or 39% when excluding international aviation and shipping. This decline has occurred alongside a 71% growth in the EU’s economy.
Sectoral Contributions to Emission Reductions
- The energy sector is the primary contributor to emissions reduction, with renewables now leading electricity production.
- The agriculture and land use, land use change, and forestry (LULUCF) sectors have also helped decrease emissions.
- However, emissions from the transport sector—including domestic and international aviation and maritime—have continued to rise.
The report states, “In 2024, the EU has made further progress in cutting net greenhouse gas emissions, with a 2.5% reduction compared to the previous year.”
Author's summary: The EU is steadily reducing emissions by advancing clean energy and policies, positioning itself to reach ambitious 2030 climate goals despite transport sector challenges.