Limited progress

The EU is lagging behind on climate targets

(Bild: © Simon Lehmann – PhotoGranary stock.adobe)

According to the EU Environment Agency EEA, the European Union is stumbling towards achieving its climate, environmental and sustainability goals for 2030.

Despite steady progress in some key areas, the Copenhagen-based agency warns that more resolute measures are needed, for example for a circular economy, in the fight against species extinction and to reduce the ecological footprint of consumption. Measures as part of the EU Commission's Green Deal must be fully implemented, the EEA demanded.

In a new report, the EEA takes a closer look at the EU Commission's so-called 8th Environmental Action Program (EAP), which was adopted in 2022 and sets out the framework conditions for EU environmental policy until 2030. In their assessment, the environmental experts conclude that only limited progress has been made overall compared to the last report from 2023.

Existing regulations are better implemented
The assessment shows that good progress has been made, particularly in reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions and in promoting green financing, explained EEA Executive Director Leena Ylä-Mononen. In other areas, however, there is a need to catch up. Existing legislation must be implemented more resolutely and additional measures taken.