On March 26, the European Commission launched a public consultation on the preparation of a legislative proposal regarding greenhouse gas emission targets for each Member State for the sectors not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System. The consultation will run until 17 June 2015 and takes the form of an online questionnaire.

In line with 2030 framework, GHG emissions should see a reduction of at least 40% relative to 1990. The 40% reduction is to come from the ETS (43% reduction relative to 2005) and the non-ETS sectors (30% compared to 2005). All Member States will contribute to the overall EU reduction with targets for non-ETS sectors spanning from 0% to -40% compared to 2005. The legislative proposal will set these national greenhouse gas reduction targets and it will revise and maintain the current Decision 406/2009/EC (Effort Sharing Decision, ESD) after 2020.

The Effort Sharing Decision sets greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for each Member State for the sectors not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System. Its scope currently covers some 55% of total greenhouse gas emissions in the EU and includes greenhouse gas emissions from sources such as CO2 emissions from road transport, heating of buildings, small-scale industry and so-called non-CO2 emissions from agriculture and waste.

The consultation aims to collect evidence, experience, suggestions and opinions related to the post-2020 design of the ESD and focuses on several issues, such as the flexibility mechanisms foreseen in the ESD to ensure overall cost efficiency. Other issues include monitoring, reporting and compliance; and the approach to setting the national greenhouse gas reduction targets in the ESD. Another key focus is the possibility of complementary EU-wide action to achieve the reduction targets.

All citizens and organisations are welcome to contribute to this consultation. Contributions are particularly sought from Member State governments, regional governments, interested stakeholders, NGOs, and research institutions.

For more information or to complete the questionnaire:
http://ec.europa.eu/clima/consultations/articles/0025_en.htm