EU ministers agree on binding targets for GHG reductions in shipping

EU transport ministers have agreed on a range of legally binding measures, including new binding targets in shipping, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector in the coming decade.

The new measures, which are to apply to all Member States, have been negotiated over the last 12 months. With this agreement, the stage is set for negotiations with the European Parliament on the final text of these important pieces of legislation.

The agreement includes new technical standards and mandatory targets for EU airlines’ use of sustainable aviation fuels, and new binding targets for GHG reductions in shipping. These measures have been agreed under the EU’s ‘Fit for 55’ package – the flagship suite of legislation announced last July to ensure the bloc meets its 2030 climate targets. The Union is aiming for a minimum 55 per cent reduction in GHG emissions, compared to 1990 levels, according to a press release issued by the government of Ireland.

Welcoming the agreement reached, Ireland’s minister for transport Eamon Ryan stressed the importance of the progress made by stating: "This agreement is the result of almost a year of intensive discussions. It is imperative that the EU puts ambitious targets in place if we are to meet our collective goals for the climate. Action is urgently needed, not only for road transport but also to realise genuine emission reductions in aviation and shipping. Today’s agreement shows that the EU can be the global leader on climate change."

Minister Ryan noted that while Ireland had pushed for even greater ambition in certain aspects of the maritime and aviation fuel files, the Council-agreed texts represent a strong step forward in transitioning towards more sustainable fuels in both sectors.