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Climate Action

2050 long-term strategy

Striving to become the world's first climate-neutral continent by 2050.

The EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050 – an economy with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. This objective is at the heart of the European Green Deal, and is a legally binding target thanks to the European Climate Law.

The transition to a climate-neutral society is an opportunity to build a better future for all, while leaving no one behind.

All parts of society and economic sectors will play a role – from the power sector to industry, transport, buildings, agriculture and forestry.

The EU can lead the way by investing in technological solutions, empowering citizens and ensuring action to support a smooth and just transition in key areas such as industrial policy, finance, and research.

The pursuit of climate neutrality is also in line with the EU’s commitment to global climate action under the Paris Agreement. The EU submitted its long-term strategy to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in March 2020.

National long-term strategies

EU Member States have developed national long-term strategies on how they plan to achieve the greenhouse gas emissions reductions needed to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement and EU's climate neutrality objective.

The long-term strategies should be consistent with Member States’ integrated National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) for the period 2021-30. 

The governance regulation required Member States to submit their first national long-term strategies to the Commission by 1 January 2020. 

The next strategies are due by 1 January 2029 and every 10 years thereafter. Member States should, where necessary, update their strategies every five years.

Documentation

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