The future of EU climate policy – opinion of the European Committee of the Regions

The European Committee of the Regions has prepared an opinion titled The future of EU climate policy – aligning mitigation targets with the challenges of climate adaptation. According to the opinion, EU-level targets, regulatory frameworks, and numerous initiatives for climate neutrality are well established, and the time has come to launch a systemic transformation across Europe. Without this, it will be impossible to achieve the ambitious and legally binding climate goals.

The key role of local and regional authorities

The opinion highlights the crucial role of local and regional authorities, as they are responsible for 70 percent of climate mitigation initiatives and 90 percent of climate adaptation initiatives. Local governments should be actively involved at the national level in strategic planning, implementation, and monitoring of climate policies.

The committee supports the European Commission’s proposal to set a net emissions reduction target of 90 percent by 2040, in line with the policies adopted at COP28 and COP29. The committee emphasizes that an ambitious 2040 target must go hand in hand with industrial competitiveness and meet essential prerequisites, such as a fair and just transition for citizens, lower energy prices, and adequate infrastructure and technology.

Reducing CO₂ emissions and achieving climate neutrality

A key action emphasized in the opinion is reducing CO₂ emissions and achieving climate neutrality, alongside enhancing climate adaptation and resilience. To achieve this, it is necessary to establish new mechanisms to mobilize significant private investments and increase the effectiveness of cohesion funds and the Horizon 2020 program in supporting climate initiatives. Additionally, adopting all clean, innovative, and non-fossil-based solutions is essential for effectively combating climate change.

The committee stresses the importance of electrifying the economy and decarbonizing electricity generation through accelerated and comprehensive deployment of renewable energy sources. This includes investments in efficient energy production, advanced storage solutions, and a resilient grid infrastructure, which will provide the necessary tools for further decarbonization, particularly in the industrial and transport sectors.

The cost of inaction and the urgency of climate action

The future of EU climate policy also requires urgent action. According to the committee’s opinion, the cost of inaction in emissions reduction between 2031 and 2050 is estimated to be around 2.4 trillion euros. The committee stresses that failing to act on climate change also comes with social and environmental costs, including deteriorating public health. Additional benefits from maintaining the net 90 percent emissions reduction target would be significant, such as reducing premature deaths linked to air pollution.

To highlight the need for urgent action, the committee references findings from the European Climate Risk Assessment, which indicate that Europe is warming twice as fast as the global average over the past 30 years. Without further policy measures, hundreds of thousands of people could die due to heatwaves and heavy rainfall, while economic damage from coastal flooding in the EU alone could exceed one trillion euros annually by the end of the century.

The committee warns that climate-related disasters such as droughts, wildfires, and floods, which are often unpredictable and destructive, are expected to intensify due to climate change.

Implementing climate action plans at all levels

In its opinion, the committee calls on the European Commission and member states to implement climate action plans in accordance with the principle of subsidiarity, giving local and regional authorities the power to tailor mitigation and adaptation measures to their specific circumstances while maintaining alignment with EU-wide goals.

To achieve EU climate targets, it is necessary to accelerate research, development, and innovation in products, processes, and systems. Priority areas include biogas and battery production, carbon capture, storage, and utilization, heat pumps and district heating systems using waste heat, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, hydrogen technologies, circular economy solutions, and sustainable alternatives like alternative fuels and proteins. Furthermore, the development of these technologies requires additional scientific research and active citizen engagement through open science initiatives to enhance understanding, acceptance, and application of innovations.

The role of small hydropower plants in energy transformation

One of the initiatives promoted by the committee is the use of small hydropower plants utilizing regional water sources, with environmental protection limitations, to regulate resources, ensure water supply, and generate clean renewable electricity. The opinion highlights that small hydropower plants, unlike large dams, have a significantly lower environmental impact and can be installed in rivers and canals without causing major changes to natural ecosystems.

Additionally, their reliability complements other variable-output renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, helping to balance the power grid. This is particularly relevant for rural and mountainous areas, where small hydropower plants can support energy autonomy, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and contribute to the transition towards a decarbonized energy system.

Raising public awareness and combating disinformation

The future of EU climate policy also depends on citizen awareness regarding climate policy implementation. The committee states that a successful climate transition requires full citizen engagement, which is linked to better communication about climate risks and benefits while countering disinformation.

To raise public awareness about climate policy implementation, the committee calls on the European Commission to work with member states and local authorities to develop necessary and regionally tailored action plans. These should enhance preparedness and ensure rapid response capabilities through appropriate funding and support measures. The committee also urges local and regional governments to actively involve citizens in decision-making processes and promote collective action to prevent climate-related disasters.

The committee expresses its willingness to collaborate with the European Commission to initiate a series of dialogues on ecological transition, building on the successful cooperation within the framework of the European Climate Pact.