Overview of the legal framework of the Green Deal

The European Climate Law

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The European Climate Law

The European Climate Law enshrines in law the goal set out in the European Green Deal of making the European economy and society climate-neutral by 2050. The law also sets the interim target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
Climate neutrality by 2050 means that net greenhouse gas emissions for EU countries as a whole will fall to zero, primarily through emission reductions, investments in green technologies and the protection of the natural environment.
The law aims to ensure that all EU policies contribute to achieving this goal and that all sectors of the economy and society play their part.

Objectives:

Climate neutrality Creating predictability

Who is affected?


All EU member states and institutions

Citizens

Companies
Schedule:
By 2030
Reduction of emissions by at least 55%.
By 2040
Reduction of the net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels.
By 2050
Complete climate neutrality.
The EU institutions and member states are obliged to take the necessary measures at EU and national level to achieve the objective, taking into account the promotion of fairness and solidarity between member states.

The following measures are required to achieve the 90% target by 2040:

The full implementation of existing EU legislation, which stipulates a reduction in emissions of at least 55% by 2030.
The decarbonisation of industry through the use of wind energy, hydropower, electrolysers and other existing resources. To intensify its efforts in this regard, the Commission has proposed new measures for CO2 management by industry in the EU, which provide for investments in technologies for the capture, storage and subsequent reuse of CO2.
The expansion of domestic production capacities in growth sectors such as the manufacture of batteries, electric vehicles, heat pumps, solar cells, etc.
Transition should focus on fairness, solidarity and social policy and support vulnerable citizens, regions, companies and employees with instruments such as the Climate Social Fund and the Just Transition Fund.
Maintain an open dialogue with all stakeholders, including farmers, businesses, social partners, citizens.

Further information:

[EUR-Lex] The European Climate Law
New Objective for 2040: Suggestions for Climate Neutrality by 2050 - European Commission (europa.eu)
Climate Protection and Green Deal (europa.eu)