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Greece, Croatia, Bulgaria and Romania are in the group of European Union member states which may not need to cut greenhouse gas emissions in sectors of transport, waste, construction and farming at least until 2030, according to an analysis published by Climate Change News.
The bloc’s new targets showed the four states tracked by Balkan Green Energy News and Hungary and Portugal reached the quota in 2014, partly due to effects of the economic crisis, but also with the implementation of climate-friendly policies.
The article adds there are countries concerned they can be asked to slash emissions further due to the fact that in June the United Kingdom voted to leave the EU.
Greece has a leeway of 14% in the quota for 2030 as a consequence of austerity measures rather than investment, but some initiatives do have an effect, the portal said, citing the chance for islands to introduce clean energy facilities. Croatia, the newest member state, could increase emissions by 8% and still meet its target.
Furthermore, there is still potential in energy efficiency measures, the article adds. Another Balkan country Bulgaria has 7% leeway despite having the worst energy efficiency rating among 28 states, and neighbouring Romania has 3%, authors said. Hungary reached 12% and Portugal is 2% above the threshold for 2030.
