Effort sharing regulation: Council adopts emission reduction targets

Source: Council of the European Union (Council) i, published on Monday, May 14 2018.

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The Council today adopted a regulation on greenhouse gas emission reductions. The regulation sets out binding emission reduction targets for member states in sectors falling outside the scope of the EU emissions trading system for the period 2021-2030.

This brings the EU closer to fulfilling its Paris climate commitment of a cut in greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The regulation aims to ensure that the EU's target of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% in 2030 compared to 2005 levels in the effort-sharing sectors is reached. This includes buildings, agriculture (non-CO2 emissions), waste management and transport (excluding aviation and international shipping).

We all agree on the need to tackle climate change. Today's decision provides us with a further tool in our armoury to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. Protecting the environment and the health of Europe's citizens is one of the priorities of the Bulgarian Presidency.

Neno Dimov, Bulgarian Minister of Environment and Water

Background and next steps

The European Commission presented its proposal on effort sharing in July 2016. Following detailed discussions between ministers at three Environment Council meetings, the Council reached a general approach on 13 October 2017, and the Estonian Presidency started negotiations with the European Parliament shortly afterwards. This resulted in a provisional agreement on 21 December 2017. EU ambassadors endorsed the deal on 17 January 2018.

Following today's formal adoption of the legislative act, which is the final step in the process, the regulation will be published in the Official Journal and enter into force twenty days after its publication.

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