The EU has just updated its climate target for 2030 and most of the policy instruments in place to achieve it. Does this toolbox have all the items needed to achieve the shift to net-zero emissions by 2050? This discussion paper by Ecologic Institute and Oeko-Institut addresses and analyses the main pillars of the EU's climate policy identifies crunch issues on the path towards climate neutrality and offers potential solutions.

The analysis was conducted during negotiations of the "Fit For 55" packages and includes the final compromises on the most relevant laws, which define the EU climate policy architecture post-2030. Following a two-step approach, the authors first provide a description of the post-2030 policy architecture according to "Fit For 55" along its main pillars; second, the authors assess each of the main pillars to better understand how the covered sectors can be changed, so they align with the climate neutrality target.

In conclusion, the discussion paper finds that the "Fit For 55" package signifies a step towards a transformative EU climate policy architecture, but is not yet entirely capable of facilitating climate neutrality by 2050.

Further Links

Discussion paper: Can Current EU Climate Policy Reliably Achieve Climate Neutrality by 2050?
Download:  Can Current EU Climate Policy Reliably Achieve Climate Neutrality by 2050?
Publication: Turning Points for the Ambition of European Climate Targets
Project: EU Climate Policy in the Medium-term (2030) and Long-term (2050+)
Publication: Making EU Climate Governance Fit for Net Zero
Webinar: Die kohlenstoffneutrale Zukunft der EU: Erreichen von Netto-Null bis 2050
Conference: Der Weg zur Klimaneutralität in turbulenten Zeiten

Contact at Ecologic Institute

Matthias Duwe
E-Mail: matthias.duwe@ecologic.eu

Ecologic Institute is an independent, academic think tank for environmental research and policy analysis. Since its founding in 1995, Ecologic Institute has been dedicated to improving environmental policy, sustainable development and policy practice. We strengthen the European and international dimensions in research, education and environmental policy discourse.

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