The European Green Deal (2024)

Table of Contents

Highlight Key figures Featured initiatives What we are working on Timeline Featured Latest Documents Related links FAQs References

The European Green Deal

Striving to be the first climate-neutral continent

Climate change and environmental degradation are an existential threat to Europe and the world. To overcome these challenges, the European Green Deal will transform the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy, ensuring:

no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050
economic growth decoupled from resource use
no person and no place left behind

The European Green Deal is also our lifeline out of the COVID-19 pandemic. One third of the €1.8 trillioninvestments from the NextGenerationEU Recovery Plan, and the EU’s seven-year budget will finance the European Green Deal.

The European Commission has adopted a set of proposals to make the EU's climate, energy, transport and taxationpolicies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. More information onDelivering the European Green Deal.

Discover the European Green Deal visual story

Highlight

Commission sets out key steps for managing climate risks to protect people and prosperity

12 March 2024 - The Commission has published aCommunication on managing climate risks in Europe that sets out how the EU and its countries can implement policies that save lives, cut costs, and protect prosperity. It comes as a direct response to the first-ever European Climate Risk Assessment by the European Environment Agency. It also addresses the concerns that many Europeans have following last’s year record temperatures and extreme weather events. The Commission is calling for action from all levels of government, the private sector and civil society to improve governance and tools for climate risk owners, manage risks across sectors and set the right preconditions to finance climate resilience.

Key figures

The first climate-neutral continent

by 2050

At least 55% less

net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to 1990 levels

3 billion

additional trees to be planted in the EU by 2030

Featured initiatives

REPowerEU

The Green Deal Industrial Plan

EU action to address energy crisis

What we are working on

Climate

Becoming the first climate neutral continent by 2050

Energy

A clean and efficient energy transition

Environment and oceans

Protecting our biodiversity and ecosystems

Agriculture

A healthy food system for people and the planet

Transport

Providing efficient, safe and environmentally friendly transport

Industry

An industrial strategy for a competitive, green and digital Europe

Research and innovation

Its role in driving transformative change

Finance and regional development

Sustainable investments to deliver the European Green Deal

New European Bauhaus

A creative and interdisciplinary initiative that connects the European Green Deal to our living spaces and experiences

Timeline

28 May 2024
The EU and Australia sign partnership on sustainable critical and strategic minerals
27 May 2024
Adoption of the Net-Zero Industry Act and of the EU Regulation to reduce methane emissions in the energy sector
21 May 2024
Adoption of the electricity and gas market reforms and the new framework to boost the development of hydrogen
22 April 2024
The Commission defines principles on limiting most harmful chemicals to essential uses
13 April 2024
Entry into force of the Regulation on deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure
12 April 2024
Adoption of the strengthened Energy Performance of Buildings Directive
10 April 2024
The Commission takes stock of a series of Clean Transition Dialogues on transforming Europe into a clean, resource-efficient, fair and competitive economy
5 April 2024
Strategic partnership with Uzbekistan on critical raw materials
27 March 2024
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Entry into force of the Directive on empowering consumers for the green transition
21 March 2024
The EU and Norway sign strategic partnership on sustainable land-based raw materials and battery value chains
15 March 2024
Commission proposes targeted review of Common Agricultural Policy to support EU farmers
12 March 2024
Commission sets out key steps for managing climate risks to protect people and prosperity
11 March 2024
Entry into force of the Regulation on fluorinated greenhouse gases
20 February 2024
Political agreement on the first EU-wide certification scheme for carbon removals
20 February 2024
Political agreement on new air quality standards in the EU
19 February 2024
The EU and Rwanda sign a Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Raw Materials Value Chains
16 February 2024
Political agreement on tackling ship-source pollution to help make European seas cleaner
8 February 2024
Political agreement to ban all remaining intentional uses of toxic mercury in the EU
6 February 2024
The Commission adopts an EU Industrial Carbon Management Strategy, setting out how to sustainably capture, store and use CO₂
6 February 2024
The Commission presents recommendation for 2040 emissions reduction target to set the path to climate neutrality in 2050
6 February 2024
Political agreement on the Net-Zero Industry Act
2 February 2024
Political agreement on common rules to promote the repair of goods for consumers
29 January 2024
Political agreement on more thorough and more cost-effective urban wastewater management
25 January 2024
The Commission launches Strategic dialogue on the future of EU agriculture
18 January 2024
Political agreement on strong EU targets to reduce CO2 emissions from new trucks and urban buses
19 December 2023
Political agreement on more sustainable and resilient trans-European transport network
14 December 2023
Political agreement on the reform of the EU's electricity market design
8 December 2023
Political agreement on updated EU rules to decarbonise the gas market and create a hydrogen market
7 December 2023
Political agreement on new rules to boost energy performance of buildings across the EU
5 December 2023
Political agreement on improving classification, labelling and packaging of hazardous chemicals
2 December 2023
COP28: President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen launches Global Pledge on Renewables and Energy Efficiency
29 November 2023
Political agreement on modernising management of industrial emissions
28 November 2023
The Commission sets out actions to accelerate the roll-out of electricity grids
22 November 2023
The Commission proposes a new forest monitoring law that aims to improve resilience of European forests
24 October 2023
The Commission presents theEuropean Wind Power Action Plan
9 October 2023
With the adoption of the last two proposals, theFit for 55 packageof measures to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels is now complete. The EU now has legally binding climate targets covering all key sectors of the economy
1 October 2023
Enter into application of the transitional phase of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
13 July 2023
Presentation of an initiative to enhance the circularity of the automotive sector, covering the design, production and end-of-life treatment of vehicles
11 July 2023
Presentation of measures to make freight transport more efficient and sustainable, by improving rail infrastructure management, offering stronger incentives for low-emission lorries, and better information on freight transport greenhouse gas emissions
5 July 2023
The Commission presents a package of measures for a sustainable use of key natural resources – to help soil resilience, increase the sustainability and resilience of our food systems, improving plant and forest reproductive material and reducing food and textile waste
16 June 2023
Proposal for a revision of the Energy Labelling Regulation, to help consumers make informed and sustainable choices when purchasing mobile and cordless phones and tablets
26 April 2023
The European Parliament and the Council reach a political agreement on the ReFuelEU Aviation proposal
25 April 2023
'Fit for 55': Council adopts key pieces of legislation delivering on 2030 climate targets
25 April 2023
EU Energy Platform: Commission launches first call for companies to jointly buy gas
21 April 2023
The Commission proposes to revise the existing marketing standards of agri-food products
28 March 2023
Ambitious new law agreed to deploy sufficient alternative fuels infrastructure
23 March 2023
Agreement reached on cutting maritime transport emissions by promoting sustainable fuels for shipping
22 March 2023
Consumer protection: enabling sustainable choices and ending greenwashing
22 March 2023
Right to repair: the Commission adopts a new proposal on common rules promoting the repair of goods
16 March 2023
The Commission proposes the Critical Raw Materials Act
16 March 2023
The Commission proposes the Net-Zero Industry Act
16 March 2023
The Commission launches the New European Bauhaus capacity-building programme for the reconstruction of Ukraine
14 March 2023
The Commission proposes reform of the EU electricity market design to boost renewables, better protect consumers and enhance industrial competitiveness
10 March 2023
The EU agrees stronger rules to boost energy efficiency
21 February 2023
The Commission is presenting a package of measures to improve the sustainability and resilience of the EU's fisheries and aquaculture sector.
14 February 2023
The Commission proposes 2030 zero-emissions target for new city buses and 90% emissions reductions for new trucks by 2040
13 February 2023
The Commission sets out rules for renewable hydrogen
1 February 2023
The Commission presents a Green Deal Industrial Plan to enhance the competitiveness of Europe's net-zero industry and support the fast transition to climate neutrality
24 January 2023
Presentation of a ’A New Deal for Pollinators’ to tackle the alarming decline in wild pollinating insects in Europe
18 December 2022
EU agrees to strengthen and expand emissions trading, and creates a Social Climate Fund to help people in the transition
9 December 2022
New rules on applying the EU emissions trading system in the aviation sector
6 December 2022
EU agrees law to fight global deforestation and forest degradation driven by EU production and consumption
30 November 2022
Circular Economy: Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation
Proposal for a first EU-wide voluntary framework to reliably certify high-quality carbon removals
15 November 2022
EU Algae Initiative
10 November 2022
Proposal for new Euro 7 standards to reduce pollutant emissions from vehicles and improve air quality
Biodiversity: Stronger measures against wildlife trafficking
27 October 2022
The Council and the European Parliament reach a provisional political agreement on stricter CO2 emission performance standards for new cars and vans
26 October 2022
Commission proposesstronger rules for cleaner air and water
15 September 2022
Proposal for anemergency market interventionto reduce energy bills for Europeans
20 July 2022
‘Save gas for a safe winter’proposal
22 June 2022
Nature protection package
18 May 2022
REPowerEU plan: affordable, secure and sustainable energy for Europe
22 April 2022
The European Commission joins the European Climate Pact and pledges to make its operations climate neutral by 2030
5 April 2022
Proposals to phase down fluorinated greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances
5 April 2022
Proposals to modernise EU industrial emissions rules to steer large industry in long-term green transition
30 March 2022
Proposals to make sustainable products the norm in the EU, boost circular business models and empower consumers for the green transition
23 March 2022
Options to mitigate high energy prices with common gas purchases and minimum gas storage obligations
8 March 2022
REPowerEU: Joint European action for more affordable, secure and sustainable energy
15 December 2021
Proposal of a new EU framework to decarbonise gas markets, promote hydrogen and reduce methane emissions
15 December 2021
Commission proposals to remove, recycle and sustainably store carbon
14 December 2021
New transport proposals target greater efficiency and more sustainable travel
17 November 2021
Proposals to stop deforestation, innovate sustainable waste management and make soils healthy
15 September 2021
New European Bauhaus: new actions and funding
14 July 2021
Delivering the European Green Deal
17 May 2021
Sustainable blue economy
12 May 2021
Zero pollution Action Plan
25 March 2021
Organic Action Plan
24 February 2021
New EU strategy on adaptation to climate change
18 January 2021
New European Bauhaus
10 December 2020
European Battery Alliance
9 December 2020
European Climate Pact
19 November 2020
Offshore renewable energy
14 October 2020
Renovation wave
Methane Strategy
Chemicals strategy for sustainability
17 September 2020
Presentation of the2030 Climate Target Plan
8 July 2020
Adoption of theEU strategies for energy system integration and hydrogento pave the way towards a fully decarbonised, more efficient and interconnected energy sector
20 May 2020
Presentation of theEU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030to protect the fragile natural resources on our planet
Presentation of the ‘Farm to fork strategy’ to make food systems more sustainable
11 March 2020
Proposal of aCircular Economy Action Planfocusing on sustainable resource use
10 March 2020
Adoption of theEuropean Industrial Strategy, a plan for a future-ready economy
4 March 2020
Proposal for aEuropean climate lawto ensure a climate neutral European Union by 2050
Public consultation (open until 17 June 2020) on theEuropean Climate Pactbringing together regions, local communities, civil society, businesses and schools
14 January 2020
Presentation of theEuropean Green Deal Investment Planand theJust Transition Mechanism
11 December 2019
Presentation of theEuropean Green Deal

Featured

Zero Pollution PackageZero Pollution Package
The 3 Billion Trees PledgeThe 3 Billion Trees Pledge

Latest

1 July 2024

Keynote speech by Executive Vice-President Šefčovič at the Jacques Delors Agora event

24 June 2024

EU invests close to €3 billion of emissions trading revenues for cleaner energy systems in 10 EU countries via the Modernisation Fund

17 June 2024

Opening remarks by Commissioners Sinkevičius and Hoekstra at the Environment Council press conference

13 June 2024

Speech by Executive Vice-President Šefčovič at the opening of the Eurochambres Congress 2024

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Documents

Factsheet
14 July 2021

Delivering the European Green Deal

Factsheets on Delivering the European Green Deal

Factsheet
11 December 2019

Factsheets on the European Green Deal

A clear and complete repository of the thematic areas that are shaping the European Green Deal

15 JANUARY 2020

Communication and roadmap on the European Green Deal

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FAQs

What is the European Green Deal summary? ›

The EGD is an economic and climate package featuring a variety of measures to make Europe the first economically successful, climate-neutral continent. It includes new and improved European laws, climate and energy policy strategies, and instruments for financing the economic transformation.

Read On ›

Has the European Green Deal been implemented? ›

All 54 actions were adopted or implemented by 2019. The EU is now recognised as a leader in circular economy policy making globally. The waste legislation was adopted in 2018, following negotiations with the European Parliament and Member States in the European Council.

Learn More ›

What is the main component in the European Green Deal? ›

The main elements of the EU Green Deal are: Climate action. Clean energy. Sustainable industry.

Get More Info ›

What is the European Commission Green Deal plan? ›

The European Green Deal was designed as the EU's compass to achieve those goals. It aims to ensure zero emissions by 2050, making Europe the first climate-neutral continent in the world. Social, economic, and geopolitical developments in the last years have confirmed that this course of action is critical.

Find Out More ›

What are the four pillars of European Green Deal? ›

(EU Commission) The plan laid out 4 pillars guiding its efforts. The pillars are (1) a predictable and simplified regulatory environment (2) fast access to sufficient funding (3) skills and (4) open trade for resilient supply chains.

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What is the Green Deal for dummies? ›

The EU Green Deal's three main goals can be summarized as follows: Achieving no net emissions of greenhouse gases by 2050. Decoupling economic growth from resource use. Ensuring that no person and no place is left behind.

See Details ›

What are the benefits of the EU Green Deal? ›

It should allow the targets to be more easily applied to legislation and should create benefits such as cleaner air, water and soil; reduced energy bill; renovated homes; better public transport and more charging stations for e-cars; less waste; healthier food and better health for current and future generations.

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What are the challenges of the European Green Deal? ›

Europe is facing major challenges: The transformation of our economy towards climate neutrality will require immense investments in the coming years and will place extreme demands on companies. At the same time, the energy crisis and fierce global competition are making this transition more difficult.

Get More Info Here ›

What is the fit for 55 package? ›

Fit for 55 refers to the EU's target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030. The proposed package aims to bring EU legislation in line with the 2030 goal.

Read The Full Story ›

How much will the EU Green Deal cost? ›

That landing of the so-called European Green Deal is now in question. The package costs more than $1 trillion in investments every year. The next European Commission will have to raise more funds for the package. But support for the deal among voters is declining as the energy crisis bites.

What is the European Green New Deal just transition? ›

The European Green Deal Investment Plan encompasses a Just Transition Mechanism to facilitate the green transition of territories in the EU that are currently hosting CO2-intensive industries and are thus most affected by the transition.

Tell Me More ›

What industries are included in the European Green Deal? ›

The Green Deal encompasses a set of far reaching measures in almost all economic sectors (including energy, transport, agriculture, industry etc) with the aim of fostering transition to a more competitive, resource-efficient and circular economy.

Get More Info Here ›

Is the European Green Deal legally binding? ›

European climate law

By adopting it, the EU and its member states committed to cutting net greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. This target is legally binding and based on an impact assessment carried out by the Commission.

Tell Me More ›

Who made the European Green Deal? ›

The European Commission has adopted a set of proposals to make the EU's climate, energy, transport and taxation policies fit for reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

What are the goals of the Green Deal? ›

Goals of the Green New Deal

Providing investments and leveraging funding to help communities affected by climate change. Repairing and upgrading existing infrastructure to withstand extreme weather and ensuring all bills related to infrastructure in Congress address climate change. Investing in renewable power sources.

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What is the Green Deal and the European climate law? ›

The European Climate Law writes into law the goal set out in the European Green Deal for Europe's economy and society to become climate-neutral by 2050 . The law also sets the intermediate target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

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What is EU Green Deal diplomacy? ›

EU green diplomacy will support the transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner, in line with the outcomes of the Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement.

Read The Full Story ›