Reducing emissions is once again under discussion in the European Union. Members of the European Parliament's Environment Committee want to reduce emissions in the EU by 60 percent by 2030. However, the European Commission and the Member States are much more cautious.
The European Parliament Committee on the Environment (ENVI) is clear. The European Union should reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. 46 Members voted in favor, 18 against and 17 abstained. The ENVI report of the committee will be put to the vote of all MEPs during the October plenary session. If the plenary approves the 60% target, the European Parliament will become the EU's strictest institution when it comes to reducing emissions.
"A majority in the European Parliament supports raising climate targets. However, the resulting legislation must also reflect the position of the Member States, and fortunately they are not as ambitious. They are aware that a drastic reduction in emissions will also have to be paid for by someone," Alexandr Vondra (ODS, ECR), MEP and member of the ENVI Committee, explained.
"In the European Parliament in general, I see more realistic attitudes towards climate policy among MEPs from Central and Eastern Europe, across factions," Vondra added.
Member States have not yet agreed on a common position on the 2030 emission targets. In order to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, the European Commission is therefore in favor of a 50 to 55% reduction. European Commission will present its proposal, together with an impact analysis, on Tuesday 15 September. The European Committee of the Regions, the EU's advisory committee, which brings together representatives of regions and cities, is also in favor of 55 percent.
