On 26 July 2022, the Commission adopted a list of headline indicators to monitor progress towards the EU’s environment and climate goals, as foreseen in the 8th EAP. This monitoring framework will inform European citizens about the impact of EU climate and environmental policy and facilitate an exchange between policy-makers on where further efforts are needed, in order to stay within the safe and just limits of our planet. The headline indicators follow the structure of the 8th EAP building on the European Green Deal.
In line with article 4.4 of the 8th EAP and as outlined in the Communication, the Commission, supported by the European Environment Agency (EEA) and the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) monitors, assesses and reports annually on progress on the priority objectives. Based on the selected headline indicators, the EEA assesses progress towards the 8th EAP objectives in annual reports published every December, from 2023 onwards.
A mid-term review was carried out on 13 March 2024 (under Article 5.1), which found that the EU’s objectives under the European Green Deal are attainable if the actions planned are fully implemented. It underlined the importance of meeting climate and environmental objectives also for their positive economic impact, including in terms of health, resilience, or autonomy in material use. The mid-term report added that although many planned actions, such as legislative changes, have been carried out, it is too early to assess their impact on the environment as they are yet to be implemented on the ground.
Some of the reviews key findings include:-
Notable progress on climate change mitigation and adaptation, such as the adoption of key legislation to achieve climate neutrality, in particular the EU Climate Law, the Fit for 55 package of legislation and the 2021 Climate Adaptation Strategy. However, it noted that faster progress is needed to meet the EU’s 2030 target of cutting GHG emissions at least 55% and achieve climate neutrality by 2050.
The effects of climate change on natural ecosystems, socio-economic sectors and people’s health and wellbeing already being felt, in particular, due to more frequent and intensive weather extremes events.
All actions under the second circular economy action plan have been delivered, including the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, which must now be implemented on the ground.
The delivery of most actions under the zero-pollution action plan, in particular the revision of the Industrial Emissions Directive and the Soil Monitoring Law, but progress towards zero pollution on the ground is mixed.
Most actions set out in the biodiversity strategy have been completed, including a political agreement on the Nature Restoration Law, as well as an increase in designated protected land and marine areas.
Water scarcity now affects almost one-third of the EU population every year. This has a direct impact on the well-being of current and future generations and it is likely to further increase due to climate change and the increase in frequency and intensity of weather extremes.
A full evaluation of the 8th EAP is expected by 31 March 2029. This will be followed, if appropriate, by a proposal for the next environmental action programme by 31 December 2029 (Article 6).
The European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the Commission exchange views annually, based on the reports, on actions taken, and possible future actions.