EU closing in on the 2030 climate and energy targets, according to national plans

This article is brought to you in association with the European Commission.

EU Member States have significantly closed the gap to achieving the 2030 energy and climate targets, according to the European Commission’s assessment of the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). EU countries have substantially improved their plans following Commission recommendations in December 2023. As a result, the EU is closing in collectively on a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as committed in the European Climate Law, and reaching a share of at least 42.5% of renewable energy.  

The Commission’s assessment shows that the EU is currently on course to reduce net GHG emissions by around 54% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, if Member States implement fully existing and planned national measures and EU policies. In the current geopolitical context, this demonstrates that the EU is staying the course on its climate commitments, investing with determination in the clean energy transition and prioritisingthe EU’s industrial competitiveness and the social dimension.

Strategic initiatives such as the Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan will complement NECPs in mobilising investments in industrial decarbonisation and clean technology, making the best use of Europe’s homegrown renewable potential and energy efficient solutions, helping to deliver lower and more stable energy prices over time.

Member States are demonstrating political resolve to reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve the resilience and security of energy supplies and infrastructure, accelerate the integration of the internal energy market and support those who need it the most with investments and skills development.

The Commission’s assessment provides a solid foundation for discussions on the next steps in the EU’s decarbonisation journey towards 2040 and reaching climate neutrality by 2050. The Commission will intensify work with Member States to close the remaining gaps and implement additional guidance, set out in today’s assessment.

Next Steps

The next phase should focus on turning plans into action to ensure stability and predictability. This involves directing public funds to effectively support transformative investments, encouraging private investment, and coordinating efforts at both regional and European levels. The Commission will therefore continue to support Member States’ efforts in implementation and in addressing the remaining gaps.

Member States that have not yet submitted their final plans – Belgium, Estonia and Poland – must do so without delay. While their overall targets have been included in the EU assessment, the European Commission will review each of their plans individually soon after their formal submission. Additionally, the Commission is working on the individual assessment of Slovakia’s final NECP, which was submitted on 15 April 2025.

Background

The Governance Regulation of the Energy Union and Climate Action requires the Member States to regularly submit NECPs, outlining how they intend to meet the 2030 climate and energy targets and Energy Union objectives. These are critical to deliver a fair, resilient, and climate-neutral Europe, and to steer the much-needed investments for the climate and energy transition. They were first finalised in 2020 but needed to be updated to take account of the agreed 2030 legislative package and targets, so called Fit for 55 package.

Draft updated NECPs were due by 30 June 2023. The Commission published an EU-wide assessment, accompanied by country-specific assessments and recommendations, in December 2023. Taking these recommendations into account, Member States were then required to submit their final NECPs by 30 June 2024.

The package published today includes an EU-wide assessment and a Staff Working Document, with the individual assessment of 23 national plans and guidance to facilitate implementation.

NECPs as a governance tool will be reviewed for the post-2030 period as part of the forthcoming revision of the Governance Regulation.