To achieve net zero emissions of all greenhouse gases in 25 years, the EU aims to have reduced its CO2 emissions by 55 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The Agriculture and Transport sectors are missing their target by more than six percent, according to new calculations from the European Environment Agency.
A country report published Monday shows that almost all EU countries will not meet their national targets, and that the EU will achieve at most a 51 percent reduction by 2030.
These energy and climate reports serve a similar function as the national strategic plans (NSPs) in the Common Agricultural Policy. This allows Brussels to analyze whether the EU is on track to meet the climate goals.
The European Commission is particularly concerned about emissions in the Netherlands of methane and other greenhouse gases from animal manure and synthetic fertilizers. The Netherlands also needs to specify more precisely what actions it will take to reduce nitrogen emissions. Brussels has made similar recommendations for all countries.
The reason the EU is not meeting its own climate targets is not only due to insufficient emission reductions but also because of the failure to realize renewable energy projects in time. The slower phase-out of environmentally harmful fossil fuels (especially coal and oil) also plays a role.
Furthermore, the carbon sequestration targets, such as those in forests and peatlands, of 310 million tons CO2-equivalent are expected to be missed by 40 to 50 million tons, the Commission noted. “It is clear that stronger commitments from EU countries are needed,” said Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra.