In a significant development, Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe and the Global Legal Action Network (GLAN) have submitted their final written arguments in an expedited climate case filed earlier this year, challenging the European Union’s 2030 climate targets. The NGOs contend that the European executive has set unlawful annual emissions limits for each EU country in key sectors, amounting to approximately 57% of total EU-27 greenhouse gas emissions.
The plaintiffs argue that the EU’s current climate ambition is insufficient to align with the 1.5°C limit outlined in the Paris Agreement. They urge EU decision-makers to intensify climate action, surpassing the allegedly inadequate Fit for 55 legislative package, to achieve at least 65% gross emission reductions by 2030.
In their submission, CAN Europe and GLAN assert that the allocated emissions limits contravene environmental law and international commitments, including the Paris Agreement, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, and Article 191 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
Gerry Liston, Senior Lawyer with GLAN, stated, “The European Court of Human Rights has made it clear that States are obliged to adopt science-based emissions targets consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C. We have demonstrated that the EU’s 2030 targets were not derived from the best available climate science, a point which the Commission has not even contested in its defence. Instead, it has attempted to have the case struck out on mere technicalities.”
The NGOs allege a series of legal flaws in the 2030 target and its accompanying Impact Assessment, resulting in annual emissions allocations that contravene environmental law. A hearing at the General Court is anticipated in the second half of 2025, with a judgment expected in early 2026. The desired outcome is a ruling that compels the Commission to review and increase the national annual emissions limits.
Sven Harmeling, Head of Climate at CAN Europe, remarked, “We must utilize all available channels to push the European Commission to align the EU’s climate ambition with its fair share for the 1.5°C goal of the Paris Agreement. The EU must ramp up emissions reduction and achieve at least a 65% cut by 2030 to maintain its credibility as a global climate actor.”
The President of the General Court of the EU has prioritised this case, underscoring its urgency and significance. Accordingly, it will be ruled upon more swiftly than usual.
