European Green Deal
The European Green Deal aims to create a cleaner, healthier and climate-neutral Europe by transforming the way we produce and consume.
What is the European Green Deal?
The European Green Deal is the EU's growth strategy. Launched in 2019, it consists of a package of policy initiatives, which set the EU on the path to a green transition, with the ultimate goal of reaching climate neutrality by 2050.
It is the EU's contribution to the Paris Agreement, which the EU and all its countries ratified and which set the goal of keeping global warming to maximum +1.5°C compared to pre-industrial levels.
The Green Deal supports the transformation of the EU into a fair and prosperous society with a modern and competitive economy.
It underlines the need for all policy areas to contribute to fighting climate change. The strategy supports measures across economic sectors covering energy, transport, industry, agriculture, sustainable finance and more.
Under the Green Deal, the Council – together with the European Parliament as co-legislators – have adopted legislation which has turned the strategy’s vision into laws and rules which are applied in all EU member states.
Why we need the Green Deal
Europe's future depends on a healthy planet.
Human activity is causing an increase in the average global temperature which is impacting climate patterns. More frequent and stronger extreme weather events have devastating consequences on lives and the economy.
Our current economic and consumption patterns do not match what the planet can offer and are detrimental to the environment and nature. We and our economy are fully dependent on a functioning environment and ecosystems.
Some facts:
Action to stop global warming and protect nature is an imperative for the EU's future and the wellbeing of its citizens.
While the green transition will have a high cost as it requires large investment in transforming our economic model, the cost of inaction will be much greater. Estimates say that if we do nothing to tackle climate change, by the end of the century global damages could amount to up to 12% of the GDP.
Key goals of the Green Deal
The vision of the European Green Deal is to make the EU the first climate-neutral area in the world by 2050, to cut pollution and restore a healthy balance in nature and ecosystems.
Climate neutrality
Drastic reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for the EU to become the 1st climate-neutral area in the world.
Circular economy
New economic model where products are reused, repaired and recycled, reducing waste and conserving resources.
Clean industry
Push for cleaner, more sustainable and energy-efficient industries which thrive in the EU and global markets.
Healthier environment
Plan to restore nature and work towards zero pollution to ensure a healthy environment for future generations.
More sustainable farming
Greener farming practices to protect the environment while providing healthy and affordable food.
Climate justice and fairness
Plan to make the transition fair and inclusive to help people most affected by the transition and leave no one behind.
Here are some of the main policy areas under the Green Deal which the Council has worked on:
8 ways life in the EU is becoming greener
Shifting to a greener way of life is crucial to address the climate emergency and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, especially those from Russia. The EU and its 27 countries are working on new common rules under the Fit for 55 package to reduce the EU's carbon footprint. How will the new rules shape the way we live, work and travel? Read our story for some examples of what life in the EU will look like in 2030.
The role of the Council in the Green Deal
The European Council is responsible for setting the overall political strategy and guidance for the EU. Leaders adopt the strategic agenda every five years to set priorities for the EU's policy work. The European Green Deal is the result of the vision agreed by leaders in the strategic agenda adopted in 2019.
Following the launch by the European Commission of the Green Deal, the European Council acknowledge the strategy's goals in its conclusions of December 2019.
The transition to climate neutrality will bring significant opportunities, such as potential for economic growth, for new business models and markets, for new jobs and technological development.
European Council conclusions, 12 December 2019
The Council of the EU acts as co-legislator, together with the European Parliament, in accordance with the ordinary legislative procedure.
In brief: the Commission submitted proposals for new legislation as announced in the Green Deal strategy. EU ministers meeting in various Council configurations discussed the proposed actions, introduced changes and negotiated with the Parliament the final shape of the laws, before these got adopted by both institutions and became EU law.
Fit for 55: how the EU will turn climate goals into law (infographic)
Last review: 21 February 2025