The European Commission will propose on Tuesday (14 January) how the EU can pay for shifting the region’s economy to net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 while protecting coal-dependent regions from taking the brunt of changes aimed at fighting climate change.

Europe’s bid to reach carbon neutrality by 2050 will aim for a just, rapid shift away from high polluting industries and technologies.

The ‘overwhelming majority’ of member states want the 2050 target included in the EU’s strategic agenda.

The number of EU countries on board with a pledge to go carbon neutral by 2050 has grown rapidly in recent months – with 18 out of 28 now supporting the policy.