Dutch goals within the EU
The Netherlands is a strong advocate for an ambitious EU climate policy and, together with other ambitious member states, extensively lobbied for the targets that were laid down in the 2021 EU Climate Law: climate neutrality in 2050 and a 55 percent emission reduction in 2030.
Green Deal and Fit-for-55
On the 11th of December 2019 the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, presented the European Green Deal. This Green Deal is a growth strategy to transform the EU in a climate neutral and circular economy, while preserving Europe’s competitiveness.
On July 14th, 2021, the European Commission presented the first proposals of its “Fit-for-55” package. The package of proposals aims at providing a coherent and balanced framework for reaching the target of 55 percent reduction in 2030, while:
- ensuring a just and socially fair transition
- maintaining and strengthening innovation and competitiveness of EU industry while ensuring a level playing field vis-à-vis third country economic operators
- underpinning the EU's position as leading the way in the global fight against climate change
The European Commission, the European Parliament and the Member States are currently negotiating on the proposals in this package. The Netherlands pushes for a quick completion of these negotiations, while maintaining the overall ambition of the proposals to ensure it continues to add up to 55 percent reduction.
Green Growth Group: jointly raising EU-ambitions
The Netherlands is part of the Green Growth Group, an informal grouping of like-minded climate ministers from 15 EU Member States (Ireland, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Portugal, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Slovenia, Estonia, Luxembourg, Austria and the Netherlands) as well as Norway and the UK.
The Group works together with a view to exploring, promoting and pursuing a cost-effective and growth-enhancing ambitious EU low carbon agenda and an ambitious, constructive and effective EU contribution to the international climate negotiations. Among others, the group works on formulating and communicating joint positions, is in contact with European institutions, organises a platform for discussion with stakeholders and mobilises sustainable business leaders.