Fit for 55: The EU’s plan for a green transition

Fit for 55 refers to the EU’s target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030​. The proposed package aims to bring EU legislation in line with the 2030 goal

What is the Fit for 55 package?

Infographic - Fit for 55: how the EU will turn climate goals into law
Infographic – Fit for 55: how the EU will turn climate goals into law

The Fit for 55 package is a set of proposals to revise and update EU legislation and to put in place new initiatives with the aim of ensuring that EU policies are in line with the climate goals agreed by the Council and the European Parliament.

Why ‘Fit for 55’?

Fit for 55 refers to the EU’s target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030​. The proposed package aims to bring EU legislation in line with the 2030 goal.

The package of proposals aims at providing a coherent and balanced framework for reaching the EU’s climate objectives, which:

  • ensures a just and socially fair transition
  • maintains and strengthens innovation and competitiveness of EU industry while ensuring a level playing field vis-à-vis third country economic operators
  • underpins the EU’s position as leading the way in the global fight against climate change

The Council as co-legislator

The proposals of the Fit for 55 package are first presented and discussed at technical level within the Council’sworking parties responsible for the policy area concerned, before they land on the table of EU member states’ ambassadors in Coreper. Discussions are held to prepare the ground for an agreement on the proposals among the 27 member states.

EU member states, represented by their ministers within the Council of the EU, are responsible for adopting EU laws, based on legislative proposals presented by the European Commission. In most cases, laws are adopted together with the European Parliament following the ordinary legislative procedure.

EU ministers, in various Council configurations, then exchange views and seek to reach agreement on a common position on the proposals. This forms the basis on which the presidency of the Council then engages with the European Parliament in negotiations to find common agreement in view of the final adoption of the legislative acts.  

The Fit for 55 package was submitted to the Council in July 2021 and it is being discussed across several policy areas, such as environment, energy, transport and economic and financial affairs. 

What is included in the Fit for 55 package?

The Fit for 55 package is a set of proposals for new EU legislation with which the EU and its 27 member states plan to achieve the EU 2030 climate goal. It includes proposed legislation on: 

  • EU emissions trading system
  • efforts sharing regulation
  • land use and forestry (LULUCF)
  • alternative fuels infrastructure
  • carbon border adjustment mechanism
  • social climate fund
  • RefuelEU aviation and FuelEU maritime
  • CO2 emission standards for cars and vans
  • energy taxation
  • renewable energy
  • energy efficiency

EU emissions trading system

Infographik - Fit for 55: reform of the EU emissions trading system
Infographik – Fit for 55: reform of the EU emissions trading system

The Commission has proposed a comprehensive set of changes to the existing EU’s emissions trading system (EU ETS) that should result in an overall emission reduction in sectors concerned of 61% by 2030 compared with 2005.

The increased ambition is to be achieved by strengthening the current provisions and extending the scope of the scheme. The proposal notably aims to:

  • include emissions from maritime transport in the EU ETS
  • phase out free allocation of emission allowances to aviation and to the sectors that are to be covered by the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM)
  • implement the global carbon offsetting and reduction scheme for international aviation (CORSIA) through the EU ETS
  • increase funding available from the modernisation fund and the innovation fund
  • revise the market stability reserve in order to continue ensuring a stable and well-functioning EU ETS

In addition, the Commission proposes to create a new self-standing emissions trading system for buildings and road transport to support member states in meeting their national targets under the effort sharing regulation in a cost efficient way. With the proposal, emissions reductions of 43% should be achieved for these sectors by 2030, compared to 2005.

The Environment Council adopted a general approach on the revision of the EU ETS in June 2022.

The infographic presents figures and data related to new proposed rules which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in key economic sectors.
The infographic presents figures and data related to new proposed rules which aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in key economic sectors.

Member states’ emissions reduction targets 

The effort sharing regulation currently sets binding annual greenhouse gas emissions targets for member states in sectors that are not covered by the EU emissions trading scheme or the regulation on land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF).

The main change the Commission has proposed to the existing legislation concerns the targets to be achieved by 2030 in those sectors. The proposal increases the EU-level greenhouse gas emissions reduction target from 29% to 40%, compared with 2005 and updates the national targets accordingly. The calculation method for determining the national targets remains based on GDP per capita with a limited amount of targeted corrections to address cost-efficiency concerns.

EU environment ministers agreed on a Council negotiating position about the revised rules on 29 June 2022. 

The infographic explains how a revision of the LULUCF regulation sets rules for emission reductions and carbon removals in the land use, land use change and forestry sector.
The infographic explains how a revision of the LULUCF regulation sets rules for emission reductions and carbon removals in the land use, land use change and forestry sector.

Emissions and removals from land use, land use change and forestry

The Commission’s proposal aims to strengthen the contribution of the land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF) sector to the EU’s increased overall climate ambition. It is necessary to reverse the current declining trend of carbon removals and enhance the natural carbon sink throughout the EU. Specifically, the revision of the current legislation proposes to:

  • set an EU-level target for net removals of greenhouse gases of at least 310 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030, which is distributed among the member states as binding targets
  • simplify the rules on accounting and compliance and enhance monitoring

The Environment Council adopted a general approach on the revised LULUCF regulation on 29 June 2022. 

The infographic presents the main elements of new proposed EU rules on renewable energy.
The infographic presents the main elements of new proposed EU rules on renewable energy.

Renewable energy

The Fit for 55 package includes a proposal for a revision of the renewable energy directive. The proposal is to increase the current EU-level target of at least 32% of renewable energy sources in the overall energy mix to at least 40% by 2030.

It also proposes the introduction or enhancement of sectorial sub-targets and measures across sectors, with a special focus on sectors where progress with integrating renewables has been slower to date, in particular in the fields of transport, buildings and industry. 

EU energy ministers agreed their joint position on the proposal for a revised EU renewable energy directive on 27 June 2022. The agreement paved the way for the Council to start negotiations with the European Parliament.

The infographic presents the main elements of the revision of the EU energy efficiency directive
The infographic presents the main elements of the revision of the EU energy efficiency directive

Energy efficiency

The Commission has proposed to revise the current energy efficiency directive by increasing the current EU-level target for energy efficiency from 32.5% to 36% for final, and 39% for primary energy consumption.

In addition, it put forward several provisions to accelerate energy efficiency efforts by member states, such as increased annual energy savings obligations and new rules aimed at decreasing the energy consumption of public sector buildings, as well as targeted measures to protect vulnerable consumers.

On 27 June 2022, the Council adopted its ‘general approach‘ on the proposed new rules. The next step will be negotiations with the European Parliament (trilogues). 

The infographic presents data and figures about the alternative fuels infrastructure regulation which will ensure enough alternative fuels refuelling and recharging stations across the EU by 2030.
The infographic presents data and figures about the alternative fuels infrastructure regulation which will ensure enough alternative fuels refuelling and recharging stations across the EU by 2030.

Alternative fuels infrastructure

The Commission has presented a proposal for the revision of existing legislation aiming to accelerate the deployment of infrastructure for recharging or refuelling vehicles with alternative fuels and to provide alternative power supply for ships in ports and stationary aircraft.

The proposal concerns all modes of transport and includes targets for infrastructure deployment. It also tackles interoperability and improves user friendliness.

In June 2022, the Council agreed a common position (general approach) on the Commission’s proposal for this regulation. The next step will be negotiations with the European Parliament – so-called trilogues.

The infographic explains the EU's new CO2 emissions target for cars and vans, why it matters and expected benefits for citizens, consumers and the EU's automotive industry.
The infographic explains the EU’s new CO2 emissions target for cars and vans, why it matters and expected benefits for citizens, consumers and the EU’s automotive industry.

CO2 emission standards for cars and vans

Within the Fit for 55 package, the Commission proposed to revise rules on CO2 emissions for cars and vans. The proposal introduces increased EU-wide reduction targets for 2030 and sets a new target of 100% for 2035. This means in practice that from 2035 it will no longer be possible to place cars or vans with an internal combustion engine on the market in the EU.

The proposed tightened CO2 standards for cars and vans aim at supporting member states in reaching their increased national targets under the effort sharing regulation while stimulating technological innovation in the sector.

The Council adopted its general approach on the proposal in June 2022. 

The infographic explains the EU's work to revise the energy taxation directive in order to encourage a transition to cleaner energy and greener industry
The infographic explains the EU’s work to revise the energy taxation directive in order to encourage a transition to cleaner energy and greener industry

Energy taxation

The proposal for a revision of the Council directive on the taxation of energy products and electricity aims to:

  • align the taxation of energy products and electricity with the EU’s energy, environment and climate policies
  • preserve and improve the EU internal market by updating the scope of energy products and the structure of rates and by rationalising the use of tax exemptions and reductions by member states
  • preserve the capacity to generate revenues for the budgets of the member states

The proposal is currently under discussion within the Council. In June 2022, EU finance ministers took note of the French presidency’s progress report on the revision of the energy taxation directive (ETD). Member states will continue their discussions within the Council of the EU under the Czech presidency.

The infographic explains the carbon border adjustment mechanism, which aims to counter carbon leakage and reduce emissions globally.
The infographic explains the carbon border adjustment mechanism, which aims to counter carbon leakage and reduce emissions globally.

Carbon border adjustment mechanism

The objective of the Commission’s proposal for a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) is to prevent – in full compliance with international trade rules – that the emissions reduction efforts of the EU are offset by increasing emissions outside its borders through relocation of production to non-EU countries (where policies applied to fight climate change are less ambitious than those of the EU) or increased imports of carbon-intensive products.

On 15 March 2022, the Council reached agreement on the text that will form the basis of its position in the future negotiations with the European Parliament on the carbon border adjustment mechanism.

CBAM is designed to function in parallel with the EU’s emissions trading system (EU ETS), to mirror and complement its functioning on imported goods. It will gradually replace the existing EU mechanisms to address the risk of carbon leakage, in particular the free allocation of EU ETS allowances.

The infographic presents the goals and benefits of the proposed ReFuelEU aviation and FuelEU maritime regulation which aim to increase the uptake of more sustainable fuels in the two transport sectors.
The infographic presents the goals and benefits of the proposed ReFuelEU aviation and FuelEU maritime regulation which aim to increase the uptake of more sustainable fuels in the two transport sectors.

Sustainable aviation fuels

Sustainable aviation fuels (advanced biofuels and electrofuels) have the potential to significantly reduce aircraft emissions. However, this potential is largely untapped as such fuels represent only 0.05% of total fuel consumption in the aviation sector.

The ReFuelEU Aviation proposal aims to reduce the aviation sector’s environmental footprint and enable it to help the EU achieve its climate targets.

The Council agreed on a general approach for the two proposals in June 2022. Negotiations with the European Parliament, in meetings known as ‘trilogues’, will lead to the final adoption of the new EU legislation. 

Greener fuels in shipping

The goal of the proposal on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport (FuelEU Maritime) is to reduce the greenhouse gas intensity of the energy used on-board by ships by up to 75% by 2050, by promoting the use of greener fuels by ships. Despite progress in recent years, the maritime sector still relies almost entirely on fossil fuels and constitutes a significant source of greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutant emissions.

The Council agreed on a general approach for the two proposals in June 2022. Negotiations with the European Parliament, in meetings known as ‘trilogues’, will lead to the final adoption of the new EU legislation. 

The infographic presents the main elements of the proposed social climate fund which aims to support people and citizens most affected by new climate rules on buildings and transport.
The infographic presents the main elements of the proposed social climate fund which aims to support people and citizens most affected by new climate rules on buildings and transport.

Social climate fund

The social climate fund proposal aims to address the social and distributional impact of the proposed new emissions trading system for buildings and road transport

Based on social climate plans to be developed by the member states, the fund aims to provide support measures and investments to the benefit of vulnerable:

  • households
  • micro-enterprises
  • transport users

The fund can also cover temporary direct income support.  

EU environment ministers agreed on the Council’s negotiating position for the creation of the social climate fund in June 2022. 

Illustration climate neutrality

5 facts about the EU’s goal of climate neutrality

Fighting climate change is imperative for the future of Europe and the world. The European climate law set the EU’s objective of becoming climate-neutral by 2050 into legislation. This goal followed the commitment made by the EU and its member states on signing the Paris Agreement in 2015. What does climate neutrality mean and how does the EU plan to achieve this goal? 

Read our Feature Story

Source

European Council, press release, 2022-06.

Supplier

European Commission
European Council
European Union

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