EU Member States have significantly closed the gap to achieving the 2030 energy and climate targets, according to the European Commission's assessment of the National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs). EU countries have substantially improved their plans following Commission recommendations in December 2023. As a result, the EU is closing in collectively on a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, as committed in the European Climate Law, and reaching a share of at least 42.5% of renewable energy.
The Commission's assessment shows that the EU is currently on course to reduce net GHG emissions by around 54% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, if Member States implement fully existing and planned national measures and EU policies. In the current geopolitical context, this demonstrates that the EU is staying the course on its climate commitments, investing with determination in the clean energy transition and prioritising the EU's industrial competitiveness and the social dimension.
Strategic initiatives such as the Clean Industrial Deal and the Affordable Energy Action Plan will complement NECPs in mobilising investments in industrial decarbonisation and clean technology, making the best use of Europe's homegrown renewable potential and energy efficient solutions, helping to deliver lower and more stable energy prices over time.
Member States are demonstrating political resolve to reduce our dependence on imported fossil fuels, improve the resilience and security of energy supplies and infrastructure, accelerate the integration of the internal energy market and support those who need it the most with investments and skills development.
The Commission's assessment provides a solid foundation for discussions on the next steps in the EU's decarbonisation journey towards 2040 and reaching climate neutrality by 2050. The Commission will intensify work with Member States to close the remaining gaps and implement additional guidance, set out in today's assessment.
Next Steps
The next phase should focus on turning plans into action to ensure stability and predictability. This involves directing public funds to effectively support transformative investments, encouraging private investment, and coordinating efforts at both regional and European levels. The Commission will therefore continue to support Member States' efforts in implementation and in addressing the remaining gaps.
Member States that have not yet submitted their final plans – Belgium, Estonia and Poland – must do so without delay. While their overall targets have been included in the EU assessment, the European Commission will review each of their plans individually soon after their formal submission. Additionally, the Commission is working on the individual assessment of Slovakia's final NECP, which was submitted on 15 April 2025.
Background
The Governance Regulation of the Energy Union and Climate Action requires the Member States to regularly submit NECPs, outlining how they intend to meet the 2030 climate and energy targets and Energy Union objectives. These are critical to deliver a fair, resilient, and climate-neutral Europe, and to steer the much-needed investments for the climate and energy transition. They were first finalised in 2020 but needed to be updated to take account of the agreed 2030 legislative package and targets, so called Fit for 55 package.
Draft updated NECPs were due by 30 June 2023. The Commission published an EU-wide assessment, accompanied by country-specific assessments and recommendations, in December 2023. Taking these recommendations into account, Member States were then required to submit their final NECPs by 30 June 2024.
The package published today includes an EU-wide assessment and a Staff Working Document, with the individual assessment of 23 national plans and guidance to facilitate implementation.
NECPs as a governance tool will be reviewed for the post-2030 period as part of the forthcoming revision of the Governance Regulation.
For more information
Communication: An EU-wide assessment of the final updated NECPs
National energy and climate plans
Quote(s)
Europe is proving that reliable and predictable science-based targets and adequate regulation deliver. The updated National Energy and Climate Plans show that the green agenda is not just a target but a way to modernise our economies and to bet on industrial innovation and more opportunities for Europeans. Our task now is to deepen in our capacities and boost action with no delays. We can deliver 55% and we need to build the conditions to reach 90% by 2040. Competitiveness, security, wealth creation and inclusiveness depend on our capacities to move forward a consistent and comprehensive political action plan.
Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for Clean, Just and Competitive Transition
The final National Energy and Climate Plans show the EU is well on track to achieve its 2030 emission target. Emissions are down 37% since 1990, while the economy has grown nearly 70% — proving climate action and growth go hand in hand. Now we must build on this momentum. Investing in clean technologies and innovation is essential for industrial competitiveness and opens new markets for EU companies. Our commitment to the clean transition gives investors clarity and strengthens Europe’s resilience and prosperity. This is a decisive moment — every sector in every Member State must contribute to delivery.
Wopke Hoekstra, Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth
The updated National Energy and Climate Plans confirm Member States’s strong commitment to deliver on our 2030 targets and making Europe’s energy transition a reality. Renewable energy is becoming the leading source of electricity in the EU and we are reducing our final energy consumption. We will deliver decarbonisation, because it delivers not only clean energy, but also quality jobs, growth and energy security. But we must do more to fast track the benefits of the transition, cut energy demand, improve energy efficiency and ensure that these ambitions materialise while completing our Energy Union.
Dan Jørgensen, Commissioner for Energy and Housing
Details
- Publication date
- 28 May 2025
- Author
- Representation in Cyprus