EU says 'well on track' to reach 2030 climate targets

The European Union is on track to reach its 2030 climate targets, Brussels said on Wednesday, but uncertainty remains over the bloc's ambitions to cut greenhouse gas emissions much further by 2040.

The European Commission expects emissions to fall by 54 percent by 2030 compared to 1990, very close to its 55 percent target, it said, after analysing member states' energy and climate plans for the coming years.

"Emissions are down 37 percent since 1990, while the economy has grown nearly 70 percent -- proving climate action and growth go hand in hand. Now we must build on this momentum," said the EU's climate chief, Wopke Hoekstra.

Brussels also pointed to disparities between member states and highlighted the problems of protecting forests and carbon storage.

The commission singled out Belgium, Estonia and Poland, which have not submitted their energy and climate plans, urging them to "do so without delay".

"We have reasons to be proud, although we cannot be satisfied. We've come a long way, but we're not where we need to be yet," said energy commissioner Dan Jorgensen.

The EU has set a goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, and Brussels wants to agree on an interim target for 2040 -- with the commission seeking to cut emissions by 90 percent compared to 1990 levels.