The European Commission’s assessment of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) shows that Member States are on track to reduce net emissions by 54% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. However, the Commission emphasized that reaching this milestone depends on the full implementation of both national and EU-level measures.

This marks a notable improvement from the December 2023 report, which projected a 51% reduction. Since then, Member States have significantly upgraded their plans, closing much of the gap toward the EU’s legally binding target of at least a 55% reduction by 2030, as set in the European Climate Law. This target is a key step in the broader strategy to reach net-zero emissions by 2050 and make Europe the world’s first climate-neutral continent.

“Emissions are down 37% since 1990, while the economy has grown nearly 70%, proving climate action and growth go hand in hand,” said EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, referencing the latest data.

Progress has also been made in renewable energy deployment. Most Member States have strengthened their renewable targets, but a small shortfall remains. The EU aims for renewables to make up at least 42.5% of energy use by 2030. The current projection stands just 1.5 percentage points below that target, a marked improvement from the previous estimate of 38.6% to 39.3%.