In Anthony Zito and Ekaterina Domorenok (eds), De Gruyter Handbook of European Union Environmental Policy. De Gruyter Brill, 2026, pp. 291-304.
This chapter outlines the development of European Union (EU) climate policy over time, divided into four main phases; with particular attention to the period from the first climate and energy package adopted in 2009 and up to the Fit for 55 package adopted in 2023.
Focused design dimensions are the fundamental ambitiousness of policy; the coverage of sectors and activities; and the coherence of policies. For each phase we assess how policy and ratcheting up has been shaped by central actors and factors both inside and outside of the EU – i.e., the European Commission, the European Parliament; the Council of Ministers/Member States; and developments in the EU-external environment.
Finally, we summarize six main trends in the policy development and related central challenges ahead. Although significant emissions cuts have been achieved and the most recent Fit for 55 package means further ratcheting up, there is still a gap to what scientific bodies deem necessary to comply with the “well below 2 degrees” target in the Paris Agreement. Furthermore, although EU climate policy has become more coherent over time; more knowledge is needed.
