Commission publishes new Recommendations on draft National Energy and Climate Plans from Bulgaria and Poland

The Commission has today published its assessments of the draft updated National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) of Bulgaria and Poland, which include recommendations on where these 2 countries should raise their ambitions in line with the agreed EU targets for 2030. These follow the individual assessments and recommendations on draft updated NECPs previously published for 24 other EU countries. EU countries are required to submit their final updated NECPs by 30 June 2024, taking into account the Commission's recommendations and individual assessments.

NECPs are key instruments to deliver on our 2030 energy and climate goals, outlining national contributions and key measures to be taken at national level so that EU countries can meet their commitments under recently agreed legislation to achieve the European Green Deal.

In December, in a communication assessing the aggregated impact of the draft NECPs, the Commission found that the cumulative impact of the drafts is not yet sufficient to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, as required under the so-called 'Fit for 55' legislation. Hence, the Commission recommendations to EU countries on how to update and align their plans to meet our common objectives.

Today, the Commission reiterates its call on all EU countries to enhance their efforts on greenhouse gas emissions reductions and better prepare for an increased uptake of renewables and improvement of energy efficiency measures. Additional measures are also encouraged to empower consumers, improve energy security and stimulate the competitiveness of European industry. As with the previous assessments, many of the recommendations relate to raising the level of ambition in particular aspects and to providing additional detail on concrete measures to support these ambitions.

The Commission has now closed the infringement procedures which were opened against Bulgaria and Poland in December for their failure to present their plans. With this, Austria remains the only EU country not yet having submitted its draft updated NECP. The Commission calls on Austria to submit its draft plan without further delay.

Documents

• Commission Recommendation, Assessment (SWD) and Factsheet of the draft updated National Energy and Climate Plan of Bulgaria

• Commission Recommendation, Assessment (SWD) and Factsheet of the draft updated National Energy and Climate Plan of Poland

Related links

• Communication: An EU-wide assessment of the draft updated NECPs (December 2023)
• Press release: Commission calls to improve updated NECPs (December 2023)
• Questions and answers on the assessment of the draft updated National Energy and Climate Plans (December 2023)
• Commission recommendations on draft NECPs from Belgium, Ireland & Latvia (23 February 2024)
• National energy and climate plans
• European Climate Law