Intro
In the context of climate change mitigation, ‘policies and measures’ (PaMs) cover all actions aiming to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. European countries are committed to adopting and implementing policies and taking the corresponding measures to reduce their emissions and achieve climate targets. Many of these measures also help achieve energy efficiency and renewable energy targets.
All European countries report information on implemented, adopted or planned PaMs every 2 years under the Governance of the Energy Union and Climate Action Regulation. This information is submitted through Reportnet platform. The EEA compiles, checks the quality and disseminates reported information.
About GHG policies and measures
The reported information includes the main characteristics of each policy or measure, e.g. a description, objective, type and status of a policy instrument, affected sectors and GHGs, related EU policies and bodies responsible for their implementation. Where available, quantitative information on the GHG emission savings of the policy or measure (or group of PaMs), both expected (ex ante) and achieved (ex post), as well as the projected and realised costs and benefits are reported.
Information reported by Member States on their climate policies is used to monitor climate action at a national level. It can also serve to assess and evaluate existing policies and to help inform decisions about new policies.
What the data are telling us
- European countries report increasing numbers of national PaMs to reduce GHG emissions. However, the number of national PaMs reported by a country is not necessarily related to its level of ambition.
- The information reported on national PaMs is better and more complete than in previous years, in particular on the GHG emission savings expected from these measures (ex ante). However, quantitative information on the emission savings actually achieved by implemented measures (ex post) remains insufficiently reported.
- Publicly available information on national PaMs is a valuable resource and supports policy assessments and evaluations.
More resources on European environment and climate policies:
Find information on the EU and its Member States' progress towards their 2030 targets on climate and energy.
