This legal action follows an unsatisfactory response from the European Commission to an initial administrative request made a year ago.

Campaigners contend that the EU, as a wealthy and historically significant polluter, should implement more aggressive emission reductions.

Environmental campaigners have filed a lawsuit against the European Commission, challenging its emissions rules for 2030.

The case is being led by non-profit organizations Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe and Global Legal Action Network (GLAN), and is currently before the Court of Justice of the European Union's General Court.

Last year, the EU increased its emissions reduction target to 55% by 2030 based on 1990 levels, but the NGOs argue that this target is inadequate under EU treaties and the Paris Agreement.

Sven Harmeling from CAN Europe emphasized that the EU needs to raise its ambition to a 65% emissions cut by 2030 to be seen as a credible actor in climate action.

The court has granted priority status to this case, potentially scheduling a hearing for 2025.

Gerry Liston from GLAN highlighted that the EU's current targets are not based on the best available climate science, a point unchallenged by the Commission.

The NGOs are seeking a court ruling that would compel the Commission to review and increase national emission reduction obligations.

The sectors in question, including agriculture, waste, transport, and small industry, account for 57% of the EU's total emissions and are not part of the EU emissions trading scheme.

The NGOs assert that the EU's targets should align with the Paris Agreement's goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

Scientists indicate that global emissions need to be halved by 2030 to effectively limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, underscoring the urgency for the EU to act more swiftly.