EU Member States have made significant progress toward meeting the 2030 energy and climate targets, according to the European Commission’s latest assessment of the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). The assessment follows updates to NECPs based on Commission recommendations issued in December 2023.
According to the Commission, full implementation of current and planned national measures and EU policies would put the EU on track to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by around 54% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. This is close to the legally binding 55% reduction target under the European Climate Law. The updated NECPs also indicate progress towards achieving a renewable energy share of at least 42.5% by 2030.
The report highlights ongoing strategic initiatives, including the Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan, which are designed to support the NECPs by mobilising investment in industrial decarbonisation and clean technology. These efforts aim to enhance energy security, lower energy prices over time, and boost the EU’s internal energy market and infrastructure resilience.
The Commission noted that Member States are demonstrating political will to reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels and improve the EU’s energy system resilience. It emphasised the importance of turning plans into action, with a focus on aligning public and private investments and strengthening coordination at both regional and EU levels.
The European Commission will continue supporting Member States with implementation guidance and addressing remaining policy gaps. Belgium, Estonia, and Poland have yet to submit their final NECPs and are urged to do so promptly. Slovakia submitted its plan on 15 April 2025, and an individual assessment is underway.
The NECPs are required under the Governance Regulation of the Energy Union and Climate Action and are key instruments for achieving the EU’s 2030 targets and long-term climate neutrality by 2050. The Commission’s latest package includes an EU-wide assessment, a Staff Working Document, and evaluations of 23 individual plans. The governance framework will be reviewed for the post-2030 period as part of the upcoming revision of the Regulation.
01 June 2025