EU domestic climate policy : looking back

Abstract

Since the 1990s European climate policy has developed in a gradual and coherent manner (Delbeke & Vis, 2019). Not only have policies multiplied, but their effectiveness has been improved over time, in the light of experience and rising ambition. Integration between policy instruments has been strengthened, and tools put in place to closely monitor performance in terms of results. The role of the European Union has increased significantly, reflecting both the depth of the EU’s internal market, but also recognition of the need for fairness and solidarity between Member States. The European Commission’s role has become central to this process, though ultimately power rests in the hands of Member States and the European Parliament, without whom legislation cannot be decided. The overall result is that the EU has reduced its emissions by 24% compared to 1990 not accounting for carbon removals from land use, land use change and forestry. When these removals are included, the overall reduction amounts to 25.9% (EEA, 2020). Over the same period, the EU has grown its economy by more than 60%. This was achieved through a successful combination of policies based on carbon pricing, the deployment of new low-carbon technologies such as renewables, technical standards and information provision. Clearly, a great deal remains to be done to bring Europe into line with the goals of the Paris Agreement and to ensure a truly sustainable, climate-neutral economy. The next round of policy revision is now underway to meet much higher ambition levels in 2030 and beyond. Enormous challenges lie ahead, but there are sound foundations on which to build.