The European Parliament has voted to reduce greenhouse gases (GHG) by 60% from 1990 levels by 2030.
The existing target is a 40% cut and the move above the EU Commission’s proposed reduction of at least 55%.
The decision will now be forwarded to the EU Council of Ministers for final approval.
President of the German renewables representative organisation Bundesverband Erneuerbare Energie eV (BEE) Dr Simone Peter said: “We welcome the decision to set a higher target for greenhouse gas savings as a courageous step in the right direction in European climate policy.
“The demand for a 60% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2030 is an important milestone on the way to compliance with the Paris Climate Agreement and a warning for the national parliaments to put climate protection at the centre of their political action.”
Parliament is following recommendations from the EU Environment Committee and scientific data, which consider a higher goal is necessary to achieve the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.
Peter added: “If we want to use the remaining chance to achieve the 1.5 degree target, we must now act ambitiously and seriously.”
The decision would increase the chances of making the European economy competitive, creating new jobs and securing livelihoods for future generations.
BEE argues that renewable technologies and the energy transition must now be advanced in all sectors.
It is calling on the German federal government to negotiate a similarly ambitious decision of the European Council with the member states in its EU Council Presidency within six months.
In addition, the expansion of renewable energies must now also be accelerated so that the emission reduction target is realistic.
Peter said: “We have to stick with it now and, in the next step, set a higher EU target for the expansion of renewables as well as more binding force and constantly check compliance.”