A new report released by the European Environment Agency (EEA) on Thursday has stated that the the European Union is only partially on track to achieve its climate, environment, and sustainability goals.
The EEA annually evaluates progress towards climate and environmental targets set in the 8th Environment Action Programme (EAP), which came into effect in 2022.
Progress is assessed based on 28 indicators in areas such as climate neutrality, reversing biodiversity loss, and reducing pollution.
The EEA report noted “generally limited” progress compared to the last report in 2023. Satisfactory advancements have been made in reducing air pollution, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and boosting green finance.
A tractor at a sugar beet field during harvest near Reims, northern France. Credit: Belga / AFP
"Decisive action is needed to put the EU on track in other areas," stated Leena Ylä-Mononen, the agency’s executive director.
"This means more ambitious enforcement of existing legislation, additional measures where necessary, and ensuring sufficient funding," she added.
According to the report, four targets set for 2030 are already considered “completely out of reach.”
These concern reducing greenhouse gas emissions from land and forest use, doubling the circular use of materials, ensuring 25% of farmland is organically cultivated, and significantly reducing the EU’s consumption footprint.
