The European Commission has adopted the 2020 State of the Energy Union Report and its accompanying documents focused on different aspects of EU energy policy, which shows member states are making good progress on climate targets.
This year’s report is the first one since the adoption of the European Green Deal, and looks at the Energy Union’s contribution to Europe’s long-term climate goals.
Individual assessments of the 27 National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) analyse the pathway and ambition of each member state towards the current 2030 climate and energy targets.
The overall assessment shows that the member states are capable of meeting these targets and are mostly making good progress towards them, the Commission said.
The reports underline the contribution the energy sector can make to the EU’s recovery from the economic crisis created by Covid-19.
The Energy Union has so far proven to be robust in the face of the challenges placed on our energy systems and energy workers by the pandemic, the Commission said.
The report looks at the five different dimensions of the Energy Union – decarbonisation including renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy security, the internal energy market and research, innovation and competitiveness.
It provides guidance on the swift implementation of the NECPs and on how energy-related investment and reforms can boost the EU’s economic recovery.
It highlights how the NextGenerationEU recovery plan can support member states through a number of flagship funding programmes.
European Green Deal executive vice president Frans Timmermans said: “The energy sector plays a crucial role in cutting emissions and delivering the European Green Deal.
“Today’s State of the Energy Union Report shows the progress we are making as well as challenges and opportunities ahead.
“The investments and reforms we put in place need to drive the green recovery and put us on the right track for becoming climate-neutral by 2050.”
Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson said: “The National Energy and Climate Plans are an essential tool for our work with Member States to plan the policies and investments for a green and just transition.
“Now is the time to turn these plans into reality and use them to lead us out of the Covid-19 crisis with new jobs and a more competitive Energy Union.”