Delivering the European Green Deal: JRC study finds mixed progress so far

The EU has mobilised private and public funding to support the deployment of low-carbon energy sources.
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On 30 January, the JRC published the most comprehensive study of the progress being made in delivering on the wide-ranging objectives of the Green Deal. The Green Deal aims at cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030, reaching climate neutrality by 2050, and at a resource-efficient economy. It builds on supporting measures across sectors covering energy, transport, circular economy, agriculture and food, ecosystems and biodiversity, water, soil and air pollution.

The systematic analysis charts progress from clean energy to biodiversity and zero pollution goals, and refers to the Climate Action Progress Report.

Progress towards Green Deal targets

The study identifies 154 binding and non-binding targets that make up the Green Deal and provides a snapshot of the progress in achieving them, based on available knowledge and data.

They are broken down into seven thematic areas to help easily navigate the progress towards the Green Deal: climate ambition; clean, affordable, and secure energy; circular economy; sustainable and smart mobility; greening the common agricultural policy and the ‘Farm to Fork’ strategy; preserving and protecting biodiversity; and advancing towards zero pollution for a toxic-free environment.

Key findings

Of the 154 targets, 32 are currently ‘on track’ and 64 are identified as ‘acceleration needed’, meaning that they are working but more progress is needed to meet the targets on time. 15 of the targets are found to be ‘not progressing’ or ‘regressing’, and for 43 of the targets no data are currently available.

Significant progress towards Europe’s sustainable transformation has been delivered in many areas. For example, greenhouse gas emissions are consistently decreasing, with substantial reductions achieved in key sectors like energy and industry. Advances in recycling and sustainable production processes are driving the transition to a clean and circular economy, addressing waste and highlighting the need to reduce Europe’s reliance on finite resources.

While the progress is promising, more action is essential to achieve the 2030 targets and beyond in some areas. For example, in the energy sector, renewables must grow faster to meet the 42.5% target and must be supported by investments in infrastructure and innovation. Expanding protected areas and restoring ecosystems will be crucial to reverse biodiversity loss. Improved data and monitoring systems are also needed to track progress, with 28% of targets lacking sufficient data today.

Mixed results: is Europe on track for 2050?

Progress is mixed progress because many legislative initiatives under the Green Deal have only recently been adopted, like the Nature Restoration Law, and are not yet being implemented. Others are being discussed or have a long lead time before significant results can be achieved. Identifying whether we are on track on the different targets is essential to understand where more action is needed to achieve the ambitious goals of the Green Deal, and to ensure inclusive wellbeing for European citizens within the limits of the planet.

The study identifies some areas of high concern: either where progress is not on track or where data are not available to measure progress. For example, common bird populations have been showing positive signs of recovery since 2010, but farmland bird populations continue to decline steadily.

Faster progress needed

The study shows that we are on the right path to progress on the Green Deal. Most policies and supporting tools are in place and starting to deliver results. However, to reach the ambitious targets for 2030 and 2050, progress needs to accelerate in many areas.

Full implementation and applying these policies through measures at Member State level is crucial to achieve the targets under the Green Deal. It is crucial to deliver system changes across all sectors and shift towards more responsible consumption and production models.