EU Agrees Increased Climate Goals Ahead of Summit with US

After 14 hours of negotiations concluded Wednesday in the early hours, representatives of the member states agreed to cut emissions 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. Europe aims to become climate neutral by 2050, and by reaching an agreement they found a legally binding way to enshrine that objective through the so-called European Climate Law.

European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen commented: “Our political commitment to becoming the 1st climate-neutral continent by 2050 is now also a legal one. The Climate Law sets the EU on a green path for a generation. It is our binding pledge to our children and grandchildren.” The EU climate law was first agreed in general at the EU summit last December, but now, in tripartite meetings, member states have agreed on the details with the European Parliament. The deal now only awaits formal approval of the EP.

Source: DW