European Union

2030 framework for climate and energy policies (strategic document)

Executive

Law

Mitigation Framework

Passed in 2014

To ensure that the EU is on the cost-effective track towards meeting its objective of cutting emissions by at least 80% by 2050, the Commission proposed the '2030 framework for climate change and energy policies'. It was adopted by the European Council in October 2014 as a strategic document, although binding legislation is yet to be drafted. It includes the binding 2030 EU domestic GHG reduction target of at least 40% compared to 1990, as well as a target of at least 27% for final renewable energy, and a at least 27% for energy savings by 2030 (target to be reviewed upwards to 30% in 2020).
In addition, the EU ETS is to be reformed and strengthened. To achieve the 2030 binding 40% reduction target, the sectors covered by the EU ETS would have to reduce their emissions by 43% compared to 2005.

In parallel, emissions from non-EU ETS sectors would need to be cut by 30% below the 2005 level, through national measures. To address the surplus of emission allowances in the EU ETS and to improve the system's resilience, a market stability reserve is to be established and the annual factor to reduce the cap on the maximum permitted emissions is to be changed from the current 1.74% to 2.2% from 2021. The volume of free allowances is to be reduced progressively; Member States with a GDP per capita below 60% of the EU average may opt to continue to give free allowances to the energy sector up to 2030, but the maximum amount handed out for free after 2020 should be no more than 40% of the allowances allocated to eligible Member States.

The 2030 Framework stresses the importance of a fully functioning and connected EU energy market, as foreseen in the European Energy Security Strategy (2014). The Commission is to be supported by Member States to take measures to ensure achievement of a minimum target of 10% of electricity interconnections no later than 2020.

The 2030 framework also launches the preparation of the Energy Union aiming at affordable, secure and sustainable energy, by 'pooling resources, connecting networks and uniting member states' power when negotiating with non EU countries'. Specific legislative proposals are expected in 2015.

Documents

Climate targets in this law

4 targets

An EU target of at least 27% is set for the share of renewable energy consumed in the EU by 2030

Energy | Fixed level target | Target year: 2030 | Base year: 2014
An indicative target at the EU level of at least 27% is set for improving energy efficiency in 2030 compared to projections of future energy consumption based on the current criteria by 2030 against a 2014 baseline

Energy | Base year target | Target year: 2030 | Base year: 2014
Reductions in the ETS and non-ETS sectors amounting to 43% and 30% by 2030 compared to 2005 (collective EU target)

Economy-wide | Fixed level target | Target year: 2030 | Base year: 2005
At least 40% domestic reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 by 2030 against a 1990 baseline

Economy-wide | Fixed level target | Target year: 2030 | Base year: 1990