EU Advances Towards 2030 Climate Targets with Continued Emissions Cuts
The Commission’s 2025 Climate Action Progress Report highlights that the EU continues to reduce emissions in 2024, maintaining progress toward the 2030 climate goals. This advancement is supported by clean energy adoption, stronger policies, increased investments, and enhanced efforts in climate adaptation and global finance.
According to the report, the EU achieved a further 2.5% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions in 2024 compared to the previous year. This places the EU on course to meet its 2030 target of reducing emissions by 55% relative to 1990 levels, assuming full implementation of current and planned policies by both the EU and its Member States, backed by strong investments.
Since 1990, the EU has lowered its greenhouse gas emissions by over 37%, or 39% when excluding international aviation and shipping, all while expanding its economy by 71%.
Sectoral Contributions to Emission Reductions
The emission decrease results from combined efforts across several sectors:
- The energy sector remains the primary driver, with renewable energy now the main source of electricity generation.
- The agriculture sector and the land use, land use change, and forestry (LULUCF) sector have also contributed to lowering emissions.
- Conversely, emissions from the transport sector—including domestic and international aviation and maritime transport—have continued to rise.
"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."
"Since 1990, the EU has cut its greenhouse gas emissions by over 37% - or 39% excluding international aviation and shipping - all while growing its economy by 71%."
Author's summary: The EU is steadily reducing emissions through clean energy and strong policies, staying on track to meet its ambitious 2030 climate targets despite transport sector challenges.