European Union Member States have made significant strides towards the 2030 energy and climate targets, according to a European Commission assessment of National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). However, three nations have been named and shamed for not yet submitting their final blueprints.
EU countries have “substantially improved their plans following Commission recommendations in December 2023,” a press release says. As a result, the Commission says the EU is collectively closing in on a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as committed to in European Climate Law, as well as reaching a share of at least 42.5% of renewable energy.
Big news for EU climate progress. 🌱
— European Commission (@EU_Commission) May 29, 2025
We are getting closer to cutting emissions by 55% and reaching at least 42.5% renewables by 2030 — key goals under the European Climate Law.
Here’s how 👇 pic.twitter.com/pxAba3V4xS
Cleaner energy and lower prices
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 fully implement existing and planned national measures and EU policies. This is claimed to be a demonstration of the EU “staying the course on its climate commitments,” and investing in the clean energy transition at the same time as prioritising the EU’s industrial competitiveness and taking into account social factors.
The Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan will complement NECPs too, the Commission says, “mobilising investments in industrial decarbonisation and clean technology”, and “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.”
As a result of these efforts, the bloc hopes to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve energy infrastructure, resilience, and security, accelerate integrations and grow investment and skills, providing a “solid foundation” for decarbonisation through to 2040. Those steps include better directing public funds, encouraging private investment, and coordinating efforts both regionally and as a bloc.
New update: EU countries are closing in on the 2030 climate targets! 📊
— EU Climate Action (@EUClimateAction) May 28, 2025
📉 54% net emissions cut in sight
⚡️Renewables share nearing 42.5%
📃Stronger national climate plans across the EU
Next step: continue turning plans into action.
Read more: https://t.co/ZLW1nHrLsT pic.twitter.com/QiLIS7B262
Belgium, Estonia, and Poland playing catchup
Belgium, Estonia, and Poland have not yet submitted their final climate plans, however, and are urged to “do so without delay.” Nonetheless, their overall targets have been included in the EU assessment, which is set for review once the plans are received. Slovakia’s final NECP, submitted on 15 April 2025, is still undergoing assessment.
In a statement Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, said: “Europe is proving that reliable and predictable science-based targets and adequate regulation deliver.” She added that “the green agenda is not just a target but a way to modernise our economies and to bet on industrial innovation and more opportunities for Europeans.”
That point was echoed by Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth, who pointed out that “Emissions are down 37% since 1990, while the economy has grown nearly 70% — proving climate action and growth go hand in hand.”
The final National Energy and Climate Plans show the 🇪🇺 is well on track to achieve its 2030 emission target. Emissions are down 37% since 1990, while the economy has grown nearly 70% — proving climate action and growth go hand in hand.
— Wopke Hoekstra (@WBHoekstra) May 28, 2025
My remarks ➡️ https://t.co/ckKqke3XeJ pic.twitter.com/WvYGzIYLsw
Meanwhile, Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing, warned against complacency, noting that decarbonisation “delivers not only clean energy but also quality jobs, growth and energy security. But we must do more to fast track the benefits of the transition, cut energy demand, improve energy efficiency and ensure that these ambitions materialise while completing our Energy Union.”
