Climate neutrality by 2050 means achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions for EU countries as a whole, mainly by cutting emissions, investing in green technologies and protecting the natural environment.

Objectives

• Set the long-term direction of travel for meeting the 2050 climate neutrality objective through all policies, in a socially fair and cost-efficient manner
• Set a more ambitious EU 2030 target, to set Europe on a responsible path to becoming climate-neutral by 2050
• Create a system for monitoring progress and take further action if needed
• Provide predictability for investors and other economic actors
• Ensure that the transition to climate neutrality is irreversible

The Climate Law also addresses the necessary steps to get to the 2050 target:

• Based on a comprehensive impact assessment, the EU has set a new target for 2030 of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% compared to levels in 1990. The new EU 2030 target is included in the Law.
• In July 2021, the Commission adopted a series of proposals to revise all relevant policy instruments to deliver the additional emissions reductions for 2030.
• The Law also includes a process for setting a 2040 climate target.

In 2023 the Commission assessed progress towards the climate neutrality and adaptation objectives, as required under the European Climate Law. The findings were published as part of the 2023 Climate Action Progress Report and in a separate Staff Working Document on national progress with implementing adaptation. 

Related legislation:

Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality and amending Regulations (EC) No 401/2009 and (EU) 2018/1999 (‘European Climate Law’)

Related funding:

There is EU funding for Climate action, including the Innovation Fund, Modernisation Fund, LIFE programme, NER 300 programme and more.