Climate action

The European Economic and Social Committee emphasizes the urgent need for climate action to prevent the worst impacts of climate change from affecting societies and, ultimately, the EU population, and views the European Climate Law as a key instrument in achieving this goal. CO₂ levels emitted into the atmosphere have continued to rise globally, with a new peak being reached in 2023. The EESC is convinced that the greatest support for climate policy will be established if the overall aim is to achieve the highest greenhouse gas emissions reduction at the lowest socio-economic costs.

EESC opinion NAT/946 Phasing out fossil fuel subsidies while ensuring European competitiveness, mitigating the cost-of-living crisis, and promoting a just transition was adopted at the EESC Plenary: 29-30 April 2025.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015, provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all developed and developing countries in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth – all while tackling climate change and working to preserve our oceans and forests.

The current F-gas Regulation 517/2014 intends to reduce the EU’s F-gas emissions by two-thirds by 2030 compared with 2014 levels. At EU level, F-gases currently account for 2.5 % of total greenhouse gas emissions. In line with the Climate Law, the new F-gas proposal will contribute to reducing emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and making Europe climate-neutral by 2050.