Policy & governance
European Green Deal
Definition
The European Green Deal is the European Commission's growth strategy and policy roadmap, presented on 11 December 2019 in Communication COM(2019)640, with the overarching aim of making the EU climate neutral by 2050 while reconciling the economy with the planet. It frames decarbonisation as an economic modernisation project spanning energy, industry, buildings, mobility, food and biodiversity.
References
strategy scope, delivery milestones
communication, policy areas, timeline
launch chronology
Overview
What it means
The Deal's annex mapped dozens of initiatives delivered in 2020–2021: the European Climate Law, the Fit for 55 package, the Circular Economy Action Plan, Farm to Fork and Biodiversity strategies, the Just Transition Mechanism and a Sustainable Europe Investment Plan aiming to mobilise at least €1 trillion. Delivery milestones include the EU ETS extension, CBAM, REPowerEU and the Net-Zero Industry Act.
How it is used
Serves as the organising frame for EU climate and environmental policy and for assessing regulatory pipelines affecting business.
Why it matters
It is the most comprehensive national-regional green industrial strategy to date and the reference point for Green Deal-style programmes elsewhere.