EU aims at carbon neutrality by 2050

The European Commission (EC) on Wednesday unveiled a new strategy to combat climate change, calling for the bloc to achieve net-zero carbon emission levels by 2050.

The EC outlined its vision of how Europe could “lead the way to climate neutrality” and listed seven strategic areas that would contribute to the goal. These include the deployment of renewable energy capacity, a focus on clean mobility, energy efficiency measures, and carbon capture and storage projects to address remaining emissions.

According to an official statement by the EC, the strategy is "an invitation" to all EU institutions, national parliaments, the business sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and citizens to put forward ideas to cut emissions.

Member states have to submit, by the end of this year, their draft national climate change plans in support of the EU's 2030 climate and energy targets, while a growing number of regions, municipalities and business associations are drawing up a vision for 2050 expected to contribute to defining Europe's answer to the global challenge of climate change.

"Going climate neutral is necessary, possible and in Europe's interest. It is necessary to meet the long-term temperature goals of the Paris Agreement. It is possible with current technologies and those close to deployment," commented Commissioner for climate action and energy, Miguel Arias Canete.

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