Policy & governance
European Climate Law
Definition
The European Climate Law — Regulation (EU) 2021/1119, in force since 29 July 2021 — writes the European Green Deal's climate goals into binding law: climate neutrality for the Union by 2050 (Article 2) and a net greenhouse gas reduction of at least 55% by 2030 versus 1990 (Article 4). A 2026 amendment added a binding 2040 target of −90%.
References
2050 neutrality, 2030/2040 targets
2021 adoption dates, 2026 amendment, credit flexibility
legal structure, review cycle
Overview
What it means
The law requires the Commission to assess collective and national progress every five years (aligned with the Paris stocktake), sets an indicative emissions trajectory, and created the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change.
The 2040 amendment (Council adoption 5 March 2026) allows up to 5% of the 2040 effort via international credits from 2036 (leaving at least 85% domestic) and shifted the ETS2 start to 2028.
How it is used
Serves as the legal anchor for the Fit for 55 package, national climate planning and litigation testing the adequacy of EU climate action.
Why it matters
It converts political climate commitments into legal obligations with review machinery — the backbone of EU climate governance.