EU climate legislation photo: notfrancoisThe European Union (EU) is the main source of environmental law across the 27 Member States, and is also leading the development of climate and energy law and policy. The decarbonisation of Europe’s economies depends on the right laws being adopted and the right laws and policies being implemented, tracked and enforced. The EU agreed a major package of climate and energy legislation in December 2008. Based on the European Commission’s January 2008 package of measures, the European Parliament and the Council agreed compromise texts on the revision of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, Effort Sharing, Renewable Energy, and Carbon Capture and Storage. Overall, the EU is committed to at least a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, 20% energy produced from renewable sources, and a non-binding 20% increase in energy efficiency. The EU is committed to increasing the 2020 emissions reduction target to 30% in the context of an international agreement on climate change in Copenhagen in December 2009. An international agreement and stronger, decisive EU action will be needed to achieve the long-standing goal of keeping global average temperature increase to less than 2°C. ClientEarth undertakes legal analysis of existing and proposed EU climate and energy legislation. We provide legal advice to environmental and public interest partners as well as policy-makers. Related links Briefing: Legal analysis of final Council conclusions: EU climate and energy package Briefing: State aid for coal-fired power stations |
