Making or Breaking the European Green Deal: Challenges to Meeting the EU’s Climate Objectives

Abstract

The European Union (EU) has set itself the target of climate neutrality by 2050 as part of its European Green Deal. This ambition marks a potential watershed moment in the political economy of EU Member States. Yet, questions remain as to whether the Member States will be able to meet this climate objective. This paper provides an overview of challenges that Member States may face, and pays particular attention to economic and political challenges that may inhibit Member States. It also draws attention to variations in the extent of economic challenges across and within Member States. Furthermore, the paper sketches the possibilities and limits of social and industrial policies in diminishing these economic challenges and mitigating their political ramifications.