The progress made to achieve the EU’s climate, environmental, and sustainable development goals is “overall limited,” and “decisive” measures still need to be taken in this regard, according to a report published on Thursday by the European Environment Agency (EEA).
The Twenty-seven are only “partially on the right track” to meet their climate, environmental, and sustainability goals, the EEA estimates in this provisional 2024 report on the progress made by the EU in this area, calling for action to prevent biodiversity decline and reduce the EU’s consumption footprint.
Indeed, “satisfactory” progress has been made regarding the reduction of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the stimulation of green finance, but “decisive action is needed to put the EU on the right track in other areas,” emphasizes the agency’s executive director, Leena Ylä-Mononen.
“This means bolder implementation of existing legislation, additional measures where necessary, and ensuring sufficient funding,” she adds.
According to the report, four targets set for 2030 are already deemed “completely unattainable.” This concerns the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from land use and forests, doubling the circular use of materials, ensuring that 25% of agricultural fields are farmed organically, and significantly reducing the EU’s consumption footprint.
The EEA assesses each year the progress made towards the climate and environmental goals set in the 8th Environment Action Programme (EAP), which came into force in 2022. Progress is evaluated based on 28 indicators in areas such as climate neutrality, reversing biodiversity loss, and reducing pollution.