The European Union and its rule-creating force on the European continent for moving to climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest

This chapter focuses on selected new topics of EU climate law that seem
of core relevance for the future effectiveness of EU climate action. In light of this, section 2
focuses on the new concept of ‘climate neutrality’ and its proposed codification in EU law,
as a means to implement the Paris Agreement. Section 3 delves into the internal competence
(and limited powers) for EU climate legislation and some legislative instruments, with special
attention paid to legislation aiming to streamline investment in sustainable activities. Section 4
discusses the emergence of climate litigation in light of the relatively ambitious package of EU
climate legislation. The chapter will be rounded off with a look into the future of the regulatory
approach of the European Union in the field of climate change: until now, hard law has set
the foundation for effectuating the decrease of emissions, but new regulatory approaches have
been established, the effectiveness of which has yet to be proven. The potential role of national
climate litigation is also emphasised