EU Advances Towards 2030 Climate Targets with Continued Emissions Cuts
The 2025 Climate Action Progress Report from the Commission confirms that the EU is reducing emissions again in 2024 and remains on track to meet its 2030 climate goals. This progress is driven by clean energy adoption, stronger policies, increased investments, and enhanced efforts in adaptation and global climate finance.
Emissions Reduction in 2024
In 2024, the EU achieved a further 2.5% cut in net greenhouse gas emissions compared to the previous year. This progress supports the pathway to the 2030 target of reducing emissions by 55% from 1990 levels, assuming full implementation of current and planned policies by the EU and its Member States alongside strong investment flows.
Long-Term Emission Trends and Economic Growth
Since 1990, the EU has lowered its greenhouse gas emissions by over 37%, or 39% when excluding international aviation and shipping emissions. Notably, this reduction has occurred while the EU’s economy grew by 71%.
Sectoral Contributions to Emission Cuts
- The energy sector remains the largest contributor to emission reductions, with renewables now the main source of electricity.
- Agriculture and land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) sectors also made significant contributions to lowering emissions.
- Emissions from transport, including domestic and international aviation and maritime, continued to rise despite overall EU emissions cuts.
"The report shows that 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 consistently reduces emissions through clean energy and policies, staying on track for a 55% cut by 2030 while economic growth continues.