The EEA assessment, which takes stock of progress toward objectives set out under the so-called 8th Environment Action Programme (EAP). It sets the framework for EU environmental policy until 2030. Progress is assessed based on a set of 28 headline indicators and corresponding targets in areas that cover climate neutrality, a resource-efficient economy, reversing biodiversity loss and cutting pollution.
The report found that the EU is not yet on track to meet many targets, with limited progress overall compared to the last report from 2023. This demonstrates the need for decisive action to ensure they can be met by 2030 by fully implementing the policies under the European Green Deal.
The assessment shows positive progress in certain areas, including on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality and in greening the economy, boosting green bonds and increasing eco-innovation. This shows promising signs with the EU largely on track to meet targets for the 8th EAP’s enabling conditions, a crucial area to support Europe’s shift to a sustainable future. Recent decreases in energy consumption, if sustained, also indicate this target could be met and highlight the need to maintain decisive action to put the EU on track.
However, most of the updated indicators are either ‘likely off track’ in meeting the 2030 targets, with four deemed to be totally ‘off track’, including greenhouse gas emissions from land use, land-use change and forestry, doubling circular material use, ensuring 25% of farm fields are organically farmed, and significantly decreasing the EU’s consumption footprint. Reducing energy consumption and boosting consumption of renewable energy were also off track.
The report highlights the urgent need for bolder implementation of agreed legislation and pending legislation. It also recognises the importance of setting new initiatives where needed, such as boosting water resilience, and continue mainstreaming environmental policy to deliver systemic changes and deliver the long-term objective of living well, within planetary boundaries.
