The European Green Deal

Delivering on our promises

The European Green Deal is transforming the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy.  

Launched by President von der Leyen in 2019, it responds to citizens’ urgent call—especially from young people—for climate action. It sets out a plan to transform Europe’s economy, energy, transport, and industries for a more sustainable future. 

It aims to cut emissions by at least 50% by 2030, rising towards 55%, while legally binding the 2050 neutrality goal through the European Climate Law.  It pushes forward a clean transition that protects people and planet, is economically sound and socially fair. 

The Green Deal invests in innovation, clean technology, and green infrastructure while ensuring a just transition for the communities most affected. Thanks to the European Green Deal, Europeans enjoy cleaner air and more energy efficient products and homes. They are also drawing on more renewable energy sources to power their lives. 

Promises kept

Climate neutrality and emissions reduction 

• Climate Law entered into force, making 2050 climate neutrality commitment binding
• Agreement to reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and 90% reduction proposed for 2040 

Financing NextGenerationEU  and REPowerEU  

• €275 billion in clean investments and 42 % of funds dedicated to climate action 

Just and fair transition 

• Just Transition Fund allocated nearly €20 billion to invest in diversifying economies and reskilling workers in vulnerable regions 
• Social Climate Fund helps vulnerable households with energy efficiency, clean heating, and transport
• EU Solidarity Fund  and EU Civil Protection Mechanism supported countries in Europe and beyond when struck by climate-related emergencies 

Carbon pricing and industrial reform 

• EU Emissions Trading System has expanded to cover buildings and transport, and generated over €200 billion in revenue for green and social funds
• Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) that encourages industries worldwide to embrace greener production methods, should be fully operational by 2026 

Clean and secure energy 

• REPowerEU plan: 40 % of funds went towards delivering affordable, secure and sustainable energy; it helped reduce fossil fuel dependency and diversified supply
• Clean energy infrastructure: accelerated permitting for renewables, EV charging stations every 60km 

Green Industrial Competitiveness 

• Green Deal Industrial Plan to scale up manufacturing and promote net-zero technologies
• Critical Raw Materials Act: EU targets to extract/process/recycle key materials by 2030
• Net-Zero Industry Act: supports local manufacturing of clean tech
• Support for batteries, hydrogen, clean mobility, microelectronics 

Circular economy 

• Zero Pollution Action Plan, resulting in higher standards for water and air quality
• Waste and product reforms: Sustainable packaging, ban on destroying unsold goods, repairable product design 

Stakeholder engagement 

• Strategic Dialogue on the Future of EU Agriculture, inclusive process shaping future food systems
• Clean Transition Dialogues with sectors like hydrogen, cities, clean tech, steel 

Learn more about Green Deal achievements