What is the European Climate Law?
- On June 24 2021, the European Parliament formally approved the new European Climate Law
- The EU Commission proposed the first draft of the new law in March 2020
- The European Parliament and the European Council reached an agreement on the proposal in April 2021
- As soon as the European Council also formally approves, the European Climate Law will enter into force
- As one of the critical elements of the European Green Deal, the European Climate Law enshrines the EU's commitment to reaching climate neutrality by 2050.
What is included?
- An EU-wide legal target for climate neutrality by 2050 that binds the EU Institutions and national governments.
- A 2030 climate target of at least 55% reduction of net emissions as compared to 1990, with clarity on the contribution of emission reductions and removals.
- Recognition of the need to enhance the EU's carbon sink through more ambitious regulation.
- A process for setting a 2040 climate target, taking into account an indicative greenhouse gas budget for 2030-2050.
- A commitment to negative emissions after 2050.
- The establishment of a European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change that will provide independent scientific advice.
- A commitment to engage with sectors to prepare sector-specific roadmaps charting the path to climate neutrality in different areas of the economy.
What's next?
Further legislative action will follow. The European Commission has already announced it will table a legislative "Fit for 55 package" to achieve the new emission reduction goal for 2030.
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