The European Union (EU) has achieved significant progress in mitigating climate change and is considered a world leader in this field. Here is an overview of the progress made in reducing greenhouse gas emissions greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 1990 and the key factors that have contributed to this progress:

Progress in reducing GHG emissions since 1990

• Total reduction: The EU has successfully reduced its domestic GHG emissions by 37 % since 1990If emissions from international aviation and maritime transport (which are included in the 2030 target) are also included, the total net reduction reaches 35.5 %.
• Economic growth: This emission reduction was achieved while the EU economy (measured by GDP) increased by more than two-thirds.
• Accelerated reduction: In 2023, the EU's total net GHG emissions fell by more than 9 % in one year, representing the largest relative annual emission reduction in the last few decades (except 2020, affected by the COVID-19 pandemic).
• Towards the 2030 goals: Current projections indicate that the EU is on track to meet its 2030 target of reducing net GHG emissions by at least 55 % compared to 1990 levels.

Factors that contributed to reducing emissions

The progress achieved was mainly due to large-scale policy initiatives and the transformation of key sectors.

1. Energy system and decarbonization

The biggest driver of GHG emissions reductions was reducing the consumption of fossil fuels, especially coal, since 1990.

• Growth of renewable resources: The accelerated decarbonisation of the European economy has been made possible by the rapid expansion of renewable energy. The share of renewable energy sources in the EU's final energy consumption has increased from 10.2 % in 2005 to 24.5 % by 2023.
• Energy efficiency: Increased energy efficiency has led to a decline in demand. Primary energy consumption has fallen by 19.2 % since 2005, while final energy consumption has fallen by 10.1 %.
• Political support for energy: This shift has been driven by EU policies such as the European Climate Law, the Fit for 55 package and the REPowerEU plan.

2. Industrial and construction sectors

• Industry: GHG emissions from the industrial sector have fallen significantly, namely by more than 35 % between 2005 and 2023This reduction can be attributed to improvements in energy and material efficiency and a decrease in emissions from certain production processes.
• Buildings: Direct GHG emissions from fossil fuel combustion for heating and water heating in buildings decreased by between 2005 and 2023 35 %Higher energy efficiency standards for new buildings, improved insulation and a shift to less carbon-intensive fuels, as well as milder winters, have contributed to this.

3. Policy and regulatory instruments

The European Union has put in place a robust policy and legal framework:

• European Climate Law: It set binding targets to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 and reducing net GHG emissions by at least 55 % by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
• Emissions Trading System (ETS): It is a key emissions reduction tool that puts a price on carbon. It has helped reduce emissions from European power plants and industrial plants by around 47 % compared to 2005 levels.
• Fit for 55 package: It introduced specific targets to enhance natural carbon sinks, reduce methane emissions and ensure access to clean, affordable and secure energy.

Sectors with slower progress

Progress has been slower in some key sectors:

• Agriculture: GHG emissions from agriculture (methane and nitrous oxide) decreased by between 1990 and 2023 25 %, however, most of this progress was made by 2005 and relatively little progress has been made since then.
• Transportation: Although GHG emissions from domestic transport have decreased slightly over the last decade, the change has been only marginal. By 2023, GHG emissions from domestic transport were only 6 % lower than in 2005, but still 18 % higher than in 1990. This trend was mainly driven by increases in passenger and freight transport, which outweighed improvements in energy efficiency and technology.
• LULUCF sector (Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry): The EU's capacity as a net carbon sink in terrestrial ecosystems has declined on average by around 30 % compared to the previous decade (2014-2023). This decline is due to a combination of factors such as aging forests, more frequent and extensive logging, and the increasing impact of climate change (e.g. droughts, pests and forest fires).

Overall, the EU has demonstrated that significant emission reductions can be achieved through clear policy signals and focused efforts on the transition to renewable energy sources and increased energy efficiency. JRi