The European Parliament announced today that it has adopted a revised Effort Sharing Regulation, including a first-ever requirement for all EU member states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and raising the EU’s overall 2030 emissions reduction target to 40% compared to 2005 levels, up from its prior 30% goal.

The revised regulation was passed in a 486 – 132 vote, with 10 abstentions.

The initial Effort Sharing Regulation was adopted in 2018, outlining greenhouse gas emissions targets for member states to support the EU goal, set in 2014, to reduce economy-wide emissions by 40% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Setting more ambitious goals for higher income member states, the regulation included 2030 targets ranging from 0% to 40% reductions compared to 2005 levels.

The updates to the Effort Sharing Regulation form part of of the European Commission’s “Fit for 55” roadmap, the EU initiative to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. The new law would for the first time require all member states to cut emissions by 2030 compared to 2005 levels, with targets ranging from 10% – 50%, with goals based on GDP per capita and cost-effectiveness.

The regulation also ensures that member states do not exceed their annual GHG emissions allocation, and limits the emissions that member states can save from previous years, borrow from future years or trade with other member states.

MEP Jessica Polfjärd (Sweden) said:

“With this law, we take a major step forward in delivering on the EU’s climate goals. The new rules for national emission cuts ensure that all member states contribute and that existing loopholes are closed. This allows us to send a clear signal that the EU is serious about being the global champion for a competitive and efficient climate agenda.”

With the adoption in the EU Parliament, the regulation will now move for formal endorsement by the EU Council.

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