The European Union moves closer to 2030 energy targets, says Brussels

The European Commission states the Union is on track to cut emissions by 54% by 2030, following updated national plans.

Partagez:

The European Union is collectively advancing towards its 2030 climate and energy commitments, according to an assessment published by the European Commission on May 28. The revised National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) submitted by Member States show marked progress since Brussels issued recommendations in December 2023.

Targets nearing alignment with climate legislation

The assessment of final plans indicates that the Union could achieve a net greenhouse gas emissions reduction of 54% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. The European Climate Law sets a reduction target of 55%. This progress remains contingent upon full implementation of existing and planned national and EU-level measures.

The Commission also notes a growing investment trend in low-carbon industrialisation, driven by initiatives such as the Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan. These instruments aim to help Member States structure long-term and nationally anchored energy solutions.

Coordinated investments and outstanding plans

The Commission emphasises the need to translate commitments into tangible outcomes, by directing public funding towards energy transformation projects. It also encourages regional and European cooperation, deemed essential for investment stability and the internal market’s competitiveness.

To date, three Member States – Belgium, Estonia and Poland – have not yet submitted their final NECPs. However, their targets were incorporated into the overall assessment. Slovakia’s final plan, submitted on April 15, is currently under individual review by the Commission.

Governance tool and post-2030 revision

NECPs, introduced under the Governance Regulation of the Energy Union, are mandatory instruments that must be regularly updated by Member States. They allow the Commission to monitor progress towards climate neutrality and energy security objectives.

A revision of the regulatory framework is already planned to align the tool with post-2030 requirements. The Commission will issue a new legislative proposal in the coming months. Twenty-three national plans have already been individually assessed, with accompanying implementation guidance.

The French National Assembly approves a specific target of 200 TWh renewable electricity production by 2030 within a legislative text extensively debated about the future national energy mix.
In 2024, US CO₂ emissions remain stable at 5.1bn tonnes, as the Trump administration prepares hydrocarbon-friendly energy policies, raising questions about the future evolution of the American market.
The early publication of France's energy decree triggers strong parliamentary reactions, as the government aims to rapidly secure investments in nuclear and other energy sectors.
Seven weeks after the major Iberian power outage, Spain identifies technical network failures, while the European Investment Bank approves major funding to strengthen the interconnection with France.
The European Union has announced a detailed schedule aiming to definitively halt Russian gas imports by the end of 2027, anticipating internal legal and commercial challenges to overcome.
Madagascar plans the imminent opening of a 105 MW thermal power plant to swiftly stabilise its electricity grid, severely affected in major urban areas, while simultaneously developing renewable energy projects.
India's Central Electricity Regulatory Commission proposes a new financial instrument enabling industrial companies to meet renewable energy targets through virtual contracts, without physical electricity delivery, thus facilitating compliance management.
Minister Marc Ferracci confirms the imminent publication of the energy programming decree, without waiting for the conclusion of parliamentary debates, including a substantial increase in Energy Efficiency Certificates.
At a conference held on June 11, Brussels reaffirmed its goal to reduce energy costs for households and businesses by relying on targeted investments and greater consumer involvement.
The European Commission held a high-level dialogue to identify administrative obstacles delaying renewable energy and energy infrastructure projects across the European Union.
Despite increased generation capacity and lower tariffs, Liberia continues to rely on electricity imports to meet growing demand, particularly during the dry season.
South Korea's new president, Lee Jae-myung, is reviewing the national energy policy, aiming to rebalance nuclear regulations without immediately shutting down reactors currently in operation.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission released its 2024 annual report, highlighting sustained activity on grid infrastructure, pricing, and evolving European regulatory frameworks.
The United States is easing proposed penalties for foreign LNG tankers and vehicle carriers, sharply reducing initial costs for international operators while maintaining strategic support objectives for the American merchant marine.
While capital is flowing into clean technologies globally, Africa remains marginalised, receiving only a fraction of the expected flows, according to the International Energy Agency.
The Mexican government aims to mobilise up to $9bn in private investment by 2030, but the lack of a clear commercial framework raises doubts within the industry.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is withdrawing strict fuel economy standards adopted under Biden, citing overreach in legal authority regarding the integration of electric vehicles into regulatory calculations for automakers.
In 2024, renewable energies covered 33.9% of electricity consumption in metropolitan France, driven by increased hydropower output and solar capacity expansion.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) has announced its strategic guidelines for 2030, focusing on the energy transition, European competitiveness and consumer needs.
Madrid paid an arbitration award to Blasket Renewable Investments after more than ten years of litigation related to the withdrawal of tax advantages for renewable energy investors.