The deadly floods in Spainwhich have claimed the lives of more than 200 people, raise critical questions about the EU’s preparedness against natural disasters, due to climate crisis.

At the same time, Europe is becoming the continent with the fastest rate of temperature increase. This fact causes “dangers that threaten energy and food security, ecosystems, infrastructure, water resources, financial stability, but also people’s health,” points out a report published yesterday by European Environment Agency.

The same report notes, at the same time, that the EU recorded a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions last year, which is a positive sign against climate neutrality targets. However, measures taken at national level by EU member states fall well short of the 2030 emission reduction targets.

However, the EU as a whole showed a reduction of of net greenhouse gas emissions by 8.3% in 2023 compared to the previous year. This is the largest annual decrease in decades, with the exception of 2020, when the coronavirus led to a 9.8% reduction in emissions. Net greenhouse gas emissions are now 37% below 1990 levels, while GDP has increased by 68% over the same period, demonstrating the continued decoupling of emissions from economic growth.

The EU remains on track to meet its commitment to reduce emissions by at least 55% by 2030. This reduction can be partly explained by the EU’s continued investment in renewable energy sources as well as the reduction of energy needs. Accordingly, the percentage of green energy has more than doubled in the last 20 years, from 10% in 2005 to 24% in 2023.

Delay in climate neutrality goals

The European Environment Agency, moreover, notes that the construction sector has also achieved 30% reductions in gas emissions over the past two decades, however, other critical sectors such as transport and agriculture are lagging behind climate neutrality targets. “The relatively slow growth of electric cars (EVs) as well as the use of heat pumps are a reminder that the (green) transition will not happen automatically,” the report points out. It warns, at the same time, of the need to promote more investments in sustainable transport at the national level and more “ambitious” agricultural policies, in relation to the objectives of the green transition.

It also estimates that the EU is falling well short of the targets it has set for a reduction of up to 55% of gas emissions compared to 1990 levels by 2030. Based on national data, the Agency’s forecasts indicate that only a 43% reduction will be achieved , while if additional measures are taken at the national level, this percentage may increase to 49%.

Meanwhile, the report shows that in the 2040s to 2050s there will be a “gap” between actual emissions and the EU’s targets, unless member states push for additional measures. For this reason, it is necessary “to maintain the momentum towards climate neutrality through clear and predictable policies beyond 2030” is emphasized in the relevant announcement of the European Environment Agency.

European climate adaptation plan

As part of the political guidelines of the new Commission, presented last July by Ursula von der Leyen, she announced a European climate adaptation plan to further support member states and prepare for natural disasters and extreme weather events. “The effects of climate change are one of the biggest risks to our security,” von der Leyen said.

Tackling the climate crisis and achieving climate neutrality goals will preoccupy the hearings of several commissioner-designates starting next Monday.