Today, the Commission published its mid-term review of the 8th Environment Action Programme, which shows that the EU’s targets under the European Green Deal are achievable if the planned actions are fully implemented. The mid-term report highlights the importance of meeting climate and environmental targets, due to their positive economic and social impact, for example in terms of improving well-being, health, resilience and security of supply.

The 8th Environment Action Program is a decision of the European Parliament and the Council, which sets out a framework for action on the environment and climate policy under the European Green Deal. It is structured around six priority thematic goals for 2030 and has a long-term priority goal for “Prosperity, within the limits of our planet” for 2050. It also identifies the conditions that will favor the achievement of these goals by all stakeholders, in a coherent and coordinated manner. The mid-term review is a requirement of the action plan. The Commission will carry out another in-depth evaluation during the life of the programme, with the final evaluation taking place in 2029.

The Commission will present the mid-term review to ministers at the next Environment Council meeting scheduled for 25 March.

Nikos Andritsos