The European Parliament has endorsed a bundle of revisions proposed by the European Commission to raise the targets within the Fit for 55 package, the EU’s key plan to decarbonize the union and cut CO2 emissions. The goal is ambitious: reduce emissions by at least 55 percent by 2030 relative to 1990 levels. This step was taken during a plenary session where the parliament approved several important changes aimed at accelerating climate action across member states.
A crucial part of the package is a revision to the directive on the energy performance of buildings. Buildings alone generate a large share of greenhouse gas emissions, driving the push to make construction and renovation align with climate neutrality by 2050. The updated rules set tighter timelines and clearer standards for new and existing structures, moving toward higher energy efficiency and lower emissions across the built environment. Starting in 2028, new buildings must be zero-emission if feasible and cost-effective. For projects undertaken by public authorities, the deadline is 2026, with a mandate to install solar technology wherever technically and economically viable. The revision also aims to speed up renovations, targeting faster improvements for energy-inefficient buildings and a higher overall renovation rate.
In terms of performance classes, the plan proposes that residential buildings reach energy class E by 2030 and class D by 2033, using a standard A to G scale. Non-residential and public buildings would follow a timetable to improve their ratings by 2027 and 2030 respectively. The package notes a social housing exemption and calls for targeted grants and funding to support vulnerable households in meeting these goals.
There are exceptions to the scope of the new rules. Monuments and buildings protected for architectural or historical value may be exempt,” as may technical buildings, structures used temporarily, churches, and places of worship when applicable. The approach seeks to balance decarbonization with preservation and cultural heritage while supporting energy affordability and accessibility.
In parallel, the European Parliament backed changes to the Effort Sharing Regulation. This framework governs binding annual emission reductions across sectors including road transport, building heating, agriculture, small industrial plants, and waste management. The aim is to drive down emissions in a proportionate way across member states, reflecting different economic contexts while maintaining progress toward the EU’s broader climate objectives.
A separate measure tightens the EU’s overall greenhouse gas reduction target. The reform raises the target from 30 percent to 40 percent by 2030, measured against 2005 levels. Emission cuts will be allocated to member states with benchmarks linked to GDP per capita and cost effectiveness to ensure fairness and practicality across the union.
The Parliament also approved revisions to the regulation on land use, land use change and forestry. The objective is to increase carbon removals and reduce emissions from emissions-intensive activities within forests and other natural ecosystems. The sector is expected to contribute to a net removal of greenhouse gases totaling about 310 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2030, roughly 15 percent higher than current levels.
Overall, the emphasis is on gradually enhancing removals and lowering emissions across sectors to support climate neutrality. The three texts now move to the Council for approval. Once validated, they will be published in the EU Official Journal and come into force twenty days after publication.
For further context on the EU’s climate strategy, analysts note that these measures align with broader decarbonization targets and reflect ongoing efforts to balance environmental ambition with social and economic realities across member states.
Contact details belonging to the environment department have been redacted for privacy and safety in public forums.