It sets out an achievable roadmap that will ensure the EU's economy becomes sustainable by turning climate and environmental challenges into opportunities across all policy areas that will result in economic growth and jobs.
The Green Deal commits Europe to becoming the world’s first climate-neutral continent by 2050 while also transforming the EU into a modern, resource-efficient and competitive economy that’s fair and inclusive for every individual and region.
We are determined to succeed for the sake of this planet and life on it – for Europe's natural heritage, for biodiversity, for our forests and our seas. By showing the rest of the world how to be sustainable and competitive, we can convince other countries to move with us.
The Green Deal will play a major role in leading the EU out of the Covid-19 pandemic crisis by kick-starting recovery, protecting jobs and creating sustainable growth.
The EU is already a global leader in the fight against climate change and has put in place legislation covering all sectors of the economy to cut greenhouse gas emissions, in line with the Paris Agreement.
However, many challenges have to be overcome if Europe is to achieve its Green Deal goals, and each Member State has a role to play. The 2020 European Semester Country Report for Cyprus shows that the country has so far lagged behind in tackling climate change. Also, the environmental implementation review for Cyprus (The Environmental implementation review - Cyprus) identifies its main environmental challenges in nature protection, waste and water management.
Financing the green transition
Statement by Ursula von der Leyen
The European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment
The Environmental Protection Agency
European Green Deal and Cyprus – Directorate General for European Programmes, Coordination and Development
UN Sustainable Development Goals and Cyprus - Directorate General for European Programmes, Coordination and Development