European Union climate policy to be continued

The EU reached 50% of its electricity production from renewable sources in the first half of 2024, according to figures presented at a meeting of the European Parliament on 18 July, with investments in clean technologies more than tripling during the last EU term. Additionally, green hydrogen investments are becoming increasingly popular in Europe, more than in the US and China combined. In recent years, the EU has concluded 35 new clean technology, hydrogen and critical raw material deals with global partners.

The head of the European Commission stressed that the policy of climate targets set for 2030 and 2050 would also continue in this term, although for now, the focus should be on investing and implementing ideas to give effect to certain strategies. An example of the successful outcome of concerted efforts focused on investments in low-cost and local renewable energy sources is the partial discharge from fossil fuels, which could result in total independence in the future.

Ursula von der Leyen also announced the presentation of a new clean industrial deal within the first 100 days of the new term, with the aim to emphasise investments in infrastructure and industry, especially energy-intensive sectors, which is expected to make markets - from clean steel to clean technology - lead the way, speeding up planning, bidding and issuing permits. The deal will also support the process of reducing energy bills, which limit the competitiveness of European companies and increase the risk of energy poverty among citizens. Von der Leyen noted that the goal of achieving a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 will be written into European climate law.

The head of the European Commission also addressed transportation issues, and declared that she would uphold earlier decisions to ban the sale of new internal combustion cars after 2035. It is worth noting that according to the regulations adopted by the EU Council last year, between 2030 and 2034 emissions from new passenger cars are to be reduced by 55%, and from vans by 50%. From 2035, all new cars - both vans and cars - are to be zero-emission.