Following the Climate Plan 2025–2030, CE Delft, commissioned by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management (I&W), conducted an exploratory study into the potential contribution of an EU greenhouse gas footprint target to the climate and resource transition.
Based on the literature review and consultations with policymakers, we conclude that a European footprint target could prove effective. However, national footprint targets have scarcely materialised in practice. Member States face limited incentives to reduce supply chain emissions, as the associated costs are incurred domestically while the benefits are shared internationally. An EU-wide target could partly mitigate this challenge by fostering collective action. Nevertheless, embedding a footprint target within the existing policy architecture remains complex at present.
In the short term, progress can be made through measures aimed at transparency and awareness. Further efforts could focus on strengthening the policy rationale and establishing a coalition of like-minded countries to jointly build support and develop practical approaches to a footprint target. This would provide a solid foundation to act swiftly and effectively once a ‘window of opportunity’ arises for a (binding) target.