The European Parliament adopted the revision of the so-called burden-sharing regulation with 486 votes in favor, 132 against, and 10 abstentions. The regulation sets a binding annual reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from road transport, building heating, agriculture, small industrial plants, and waste management in all member states. It currently regulates about 60 percent of all emissions in the EU.
The revised regulation increases the greenhouse gas emissions reduction target by 2030 from 30 percent to 40 percent compared to 2005 levels. For the first time, all member states must reduce these emissions by between 10 percent and 50 percent. The targets for each member state by 2030 are based on GDP per capita and cost-effectiveness. Member states will also not be allowed to exceed their annual emissions quota.
Flexibility and Transparency
The regulation establishes a balance between the need for member states to be flexible in achieving their targets while ensuring a fair and socially just transition and the need to close loopholes in the laws to achieve the emissions reduction target at the Union level. Therefore, there are limits on the number of emission units that member states can retain from previous years, borrow from upcoming years, and trade with other member states.
