LEAK: EU’s 2030 climate plan makes case for 55% emissions cut

(EurActiv, 14 Sep 2020) The European Commission will argue this week in favour of a 55% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and push for higher shares of renewable energy as part of an ambitious plan to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century, EURACTIV has learned.

The move will be confirmed on Wednesday (16 September) when Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will make the announcement in her first State of the Union address before the European Parliament in Brussels.

Europe’s unprecedented economic response to the COVID-19 crisis “offers a unique opportunity to accelerate the transition to a climate-neutral economy,” the European Commission will argue in a document expected to be published on Thursday.

With its €1.8 trillion budget and coronavirus recovery plan spanning the next seven years (2021-2027), the EU is now in a good position to “make EU business and industry global trailblazers” in the race for a greener and more connected economy, says the policy paper, obtained by EURACTIV.

“An emissions reduction of 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, is both economically feasible and beneficial for Europe” if the right policies are put in place, the document argues, citing an in-depth cost-benefit study that will be unveiled on Thursday together with the new climate proposals.

External link

EurActiv, 14 Sep 2020: LEAK: EU’s 2030 climate plan makes case for 55% emissions cut