The European Green Deal, is a major initiative by the European Union to make Europe the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050. This ambitious initiative aims to reshape Europe's economy and society, encouraging sustainable growth while tackling climate and environmental challenges.
Origins and objectives
The European Green Deal was presented by the European Commission in December 2019, under the presidency of Ursula von der Leyen. It stems from a growing awareness of global climate and environmental challenges, and the need for Europe to take decisive action to address them.
The Green Deal is designed as a roadmap to give the EU a sustainable economy, turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities in all sectors of the economy.
The main objective of the Green Deal is to make the European Union neutral in terms of greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This involves significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions, increasing the use of renewable energies and improving energy efficiency.
In addition to carbon neutrality, the Green Deal also aims to protect biodiversity, ensure a fair transition that leaves no-one behind, and promote a circular economy.
Details of the Green Deal
The Green Deal covers a wide range of policies and initiatives in various sectors:
1. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions: The EU aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. On 6 February 2024, the European Commission recommended a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040.
2. Clean energy: Promoting the use of renewable energies and improving energy efficiency.
3. Circular economy: Reducing the environmental footprint of EU production and consumption by recycling and reusing resources.
4. Biodiversity strategy: Protecting and restoring the EU's biodiversity and ecosystems.
5. From farm to fork: Ensuring sustainable and healthy food systems.
6. Sustainable mobility: Promoting clean, intelligent and sustainable transport.
7. Eliminating pollution: Reducing pollution for a toxic-free environment.
Deployment of the Green Deal
Since its presentation, the EU has taken a number of concrete steps to implement the Green Deal. These include:
- The European Climate Act: In June 2021, the EU adopted the European Climate Act, which enshrines the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 in legislation.
- The Green Deal Investment Plan: A plan to mobilise at least €1,000 billion in sustainable investment over the decade was agreed in January 2020.
- The Just Transition Facility: A fund to support the regions most affected by the transition to a green economy.
- Sectoral strategies and plans: The EU has launched several specific strategies, such as the Biodiversity Strategy 2030, the EU Strategy for Adaptation to Climate Change, and the Renewable Energy Strategy.
