Long-predicted impacts of climate change are wreaking havoc in Europe. An extreme heatwave is expected to affect millions of people in large parts of west-central Europe. In recent months, Eastern Europeans have been hit by heat waves and droughts; citizens in the UK, France, Germany and Italy suffered from floods and storms.

EU leaders meeting in Brussels today failed to agree to reduce emissions to net zero by 2050 and to commit to revising the EU’s 2030 climate target, due to a veto from the Polish, Czech, Estonian and Hungarian governments.

Today the European Commission has published its recommendations for improving the draft National Energy and Climate Plans wherein EU Member States have to draw concrete pathways to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and boost energy savings as well as renewable energy all the way until 2030. Member States have until the end of this year to come up with better deals for the climate.

On 17 and 18 June, four new EU countries, namely Bulgaria, Hungary, Ireland and Slovakia announced their support for the net zero emissions by 2050 goal, increasing the total number of EU countries in favour to 22. With three new CEE countries on board, the EU is much closer to reaching an agreement on this at this week’s European Council.

Strong support from progressive countries key to a successful outcome

Brussels, 17th June 2019, for immediate release

Feeling the pressure from the public, and in particular from young people, EU governments are getting closer to reaching an agreement on achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and on raising the EU’s 2030 climate target [1]. With only a few Central European governments still on the fence [2], the decision can be made already at the upcoming EU Heads of State and Government meeting in Brussels on 20-21 June.

  1. New report shows some EU Member States intent on burning coal for electricity beyond 2030 whilst banking on EU funding for a just energy transition
  2. Fragmented Parliament needs unity to tackle climate emergency
  3. Climate tops the European elections debate, forcing laggards to finally take a stand
  4. People’s Climate Case: Court acknowledges climate change is affecting everyone but dismisses the case

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