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EU Faces Uphill Battle in Achieving 2030 Environmental and Climate Targets

Targets related to energy consumption, circular material use, and the share of area under organic farming appear increasingly unlikely to be achieved within the next decade.

December 28, 2023. By Abha Rustagi

In an assessment, the European Environment Agency (EEA) has released its inaugural annual report on the progress toward the 8th Environment Action Programme (EAP) objectives, revealing that the European Union (EU) may fall short of meeting the majority of its ambitious targets by 2030.

The report, based on 28 indicators and monitoring targets, paints a challenging picture for the EU, particularly concerning the 8th EAP's priority objective of reducing environmental and climate pressures related to production and consumption.

Targets related to energy consumption, circular material use, and the share of area under organic farming appear increasingly unlikely to be achieved within the next decade.

However, amid the concerns, there is a glimmer of optimism in other areas. The EEA report indicates a positive outlook for achieving several 2030 monitoring targets, such as the increasing share of the green economy and a decline in premature deaths linked to fine particulate matter, aligning with the zero-pollution action plan.

The report also underscores the importance of certain conditions for meeting the 8th EAP objectives, noting a positive outlook for their implementation by 2030. However, the phasing out of fossil fuel subsidies faces challenges, as many EU Member States lack concrete plans to do so.

Leena Ylä-Mononen, the EEA Executive Director, emphasizes the urgency for Member States to strengthen actions to meet Europe's environment and climate ambitions by 2030. This includes the full implementation of existing laws, increased investments in future-proof technologies, and the integration of sustainability into all policies.

Conclusively, the EEA report suggests that while some 8th EAP monitoring targets align with the high ambitions of the European Green Deal, achieving them may require more time. Moreover, several targets necessitate a significantly accelerated pace of progress compared to the past decade.

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Policies & Regulations

European Environment Agency

EEA

8th Environment Action Programme

EAP

European Union

Leena Ylä-Mononen

EEA Executive Director

EAP monitoring targets

Sustainability

European Green Deal