2020 Targets

In March 2007 the EU’s leaders agreed on a new climate and energy policy with the goal to combat climate change, increase the energy security and strengthen its competitiveness. Europe will be transformed into a highly energy-efficient, low carbon economy.

The EU Heads of State and Government set a series of demanding climate and energy targets to be met by 2020, known as the "20-20-20" targets. These are:

• A reduction in EU greenhouse gas emissions of at least 20% below 1990 levels
• 20% of EU energy consumption to come from renewable resources
• A 20% reduction in primary energy use compared with projected levels, to be achieved by improving energy efficiency.

European Commission - Factsheet: Why the EU's investigation into solar panel imports from China does not harm Europe’s climate goals

RENEWABLE ENERGY

By 2020, at least 20% of the EU's energy consumption must come from renewable energy. Every country has national targets it must achieve with progress measured against the 2005 benchmark. The targets depend on the capabilities of the individual countries. It is, however, left to member states how exactly they will increase their share of renewable energy. The EU’s forward-looking energy policy promotes growth, sustainability, employment and the balance of trade.

For detailed information on the yearly progress for each Member State see the statistics on the Eurostat website