The European Commission has released its assessment of the final updated National Energy and Climate Plans (NECPs) submitted by Estonia and Slovakia (SWD/2025/282). The review notes that while both countries have raised their ambition compared to earlier drafts, significant efforts are still required to bridge gaps in renewable energy, energy efficiency, greenhouse gas emission reductions under the Effort Sharing Regulation (EU/2018/842), and carbon removals under the Land Use, Land Use Change and Forestry (LULUCF) Regulation (EU/2018/841).
The assessment builds on the EU-wide review (COM/2025/274) published on 28 May 2025, which highlighted collective progress towards the bloc’s 2030 climate and energy targets.
For Estonia, the Commission underlined the need for stronger measures to meet its target of cutting emissions from transport, buildings, agriculture, and waste by 24% by 2030 compared to 2005. The country also faces a shortfall in meeting its LULUCF carbon removal objectives.
Estonia’s plan sets a highly ambitious goal of generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, supported by expanded wind auctions and policies to boost renewable heating. However, the Commission noted shortcomings in quantifying energy savings and integrating networks for electricity, heating, and cooling.
The country is also working to strengthen energy security by diversifying gas supplies towards biomethane and biogas, investing in storage, and improving regional interconnections. While Estonia has reported its fossil fuel subsidies, no phase-out strategy has been set. The Commission has encouraged the government to establish a roadmap to end such subsidies and to scale up investment in clean energy research and innovation.
Slovakia is projected to meet its Effort Sharing target of reducing emissions by 22.7% by 2030 compared to 2005. However, the country is not on track to achieve its LULUCF carbon removal commitments.
Bratislava has slightly increased its renewable energy and efficiency ambitions, with a stronger focus on solar and wind deployment. Plans to retrofit public and private buildings are central to its efficiency strategy. On energy security, Slovakia aims to boost grid interconnections and expand cross-border energy trade to stabilise supply and integrate more renewables.
The Commission has urged Slovakia to accelerate efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, particularly coal and natural gas, while diversifying its energy mix.
With updated NECPs now finalised, the Commission stressed the importance of moving from planning to delivery. Implementation will require mobilising private investment, using public funds to de-risk financing, and coordinating measures at national, regional, and EU levels.
Brussels confirmed it will continue working closely with member states to close outstanding gaps and, if necessary, propose additional measures to ensure collective achievement of the EU’s 2030 energy and climate objectives, especially on renewables and efficiency.
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