2030 Framework

On January 24, 2014, following a public consultation launched with a Communication “A 2030 framework for climate and energy policies” which was published in March 2013, the European Commission unveiled its long awaited proposal for the 2030 policy framework for climate and energy. The current Climate and Energy Package, adopted by the EU in 2008, is implemented until 2020.

The EU as a block is on track to meet, and even exceed its voluntary target of 20 % reduction below 1990 emissions levels. However, continuation of present policies would not be sufficient for the EU to achieve its long-term objective of reducing GHG emissions by 2050 by 80 – 95% compared to 1990 levels. The continuation of current policies would result in reductions of -32% against 1990 levels in 2030, with 24% increase of renewable energy share in the final energy consumption, and primary energy savings of 21 %.

In order to address the insufficiency of continuing current measures in the long term, the Commission put forward its new proposal with a view to outline the pathway towards the EU’s low carbon development in the medium term, until 2030, in order to provide much needed certainty for the EU business community, and to signal the EU’s continued commitment to climate change mitigation. The proposed 2030 GHG reduction target amounts to 40 % below 1990 levels, with a view to ensure that by 2050 the EU is able to reduce its emissions by at least 80% below 1990 levels. The 2030 target would be shared between ETS and non-ETS sectors, with ETS sectors responsible for reductions of – 43% compared to 2005 levels, and non-ETS sectors across the EU achieving a reduction of 30% compared to 2005 levels. The latter target will be shared equitably among the EU Member States. The GHG reduction goals will be supported by the measures increasing the use of renewable energy and energy efficiency. The share of renewable energy in the final energy use in the EU is proposed to grow to 27 % in 2030. The role of energy efficiency in achieving the goals of the 2030 framework will be proposed in a review of the Energy Efficiency Directive in the course of 2014.

The 2030 framework would be implemented by Member States through national plans for competitive, secure and sustainable energy. This would constitute a new governance framework based on the common approach proposed by the Commission. The Commission has also proposed limited reforms of the EU flagship initiative: the emissions trading scheme. The reform is necessary, if ETS is to achieve its 2030 target. In turn, the achievement of the 2030 target in the ETS sectors is a prerequisite of the successful implementation of the proposed mid-term policies.

For more information on the 2030 Framework and the 2050 roadmap, see the update for Clima East Partner Countries in January 2015 from DG CLIMA here , and our Key Expert’s presentation here.

Policy and Legislation Documents

European Council Conclusions