Briefing

EU Parliament to vote on future of national climate targets

May 12, 2022

What is the future of the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) - a key European legislation that sets binding emission reduction targets for each EU country?

The Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) sets binding emission reduction targets for each EU country in the sectors of road transport, buildings, waste, small industry and agriculture (~60% of the EU’s GHG emissions). In July 2021, the Commission proposed a new  EU-wide target for the ESR sectors, bringing it up to -40% from -30% (compared to 2005). National ESR targets were also increased. They range from -10% for Bulgaria to -50% of Germany and are set on the basis of GDP per capita and cost-effectiveness of reducing emissions. 

But national targets remain empty shells if not properly implemented and enforced. What can the European Parliament do to improve the proposal?

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