EU must stay course on climate objectives – scientific advisors

As the European Union has entered into the process of selecting a new leadership team for the next legislative term after the June elections, key climate science advisors call on the bloc's leaders to hold their ground regarding EU climate targets. "This term will be a defining moment for European policymakers," said Ottmar Edenhofer, chair the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change. "Decisions made in the coming years will be immensely important for current and future generations, and staying the course on the EU’s climate objectives is more crucial than ever," said Edenhofer, who is also the director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK).

The EU had to first and foremost ensure the effective implementation of what it already decided over the past five years with the legislative package known as ‘Fit for 55‘ – which spells out a complete overhaul of the union's climate and energy transition policy to help reach the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55 percent by 2030. In addition, the EU should adopt a "fair and feasible" emissions target for 2040. The advisory board had already presented a set of recommendations for a more effective implementation and design of the EU climate policy framework at the start of the year. "As emission reductions take time to materialise, now is the time for the EU to invest in a prosperous, resilient and sustainable future for all Europeans," said Edenhofer.

Following the EU election on 6-9 June, the new European Parliament must now be set up, while member state governments agree the general agenda for the coming years, as well as their picks for top jobs, such as the European Commission president. This president must then outline her or his political programme for the coming five years, and secure majority support in the European Parliament.