ETC CM report 2024/08: Strengthening National Governance Systems

Exploring Current Practices and Innovations for Reporting on Policies and Measures and Greenhouse Gas Projections

06 Jan 2025

Annabel Vella (VITO), Kelsey van Maris (VITO), Tom Dauwe (VITO)

EEA project manager: Magdalena Jóźwicka-Olsen

Abstract:

This report explores the state of the national governance systems for reporting on integrated policies and measures (PaMs) and anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emission projections in European countries, including EU Member States, Iceland, Norway, and Switzerland. The so-called national systems, comprise institutional, legal, and procedural arrangements established within each country to ensure compliance with reporting obligations under the Governance Regulation (EU) 2018/1999. By understanding the current state of play of these national systems, the study aims to highlight established procedures and arrangements while identifying key areas that remain less mature. It also aims to emphasise good practices adopted by various countries, offering examples that can be adapted to other countries to enhance their governance structures. In turn, this study aims to support EU Member States and the neighbouring countries in building governance systems that go beyond compliance with reporting rules to ensure progress toward common sustainability and climate neutral targets. The study is guided by the following main questions:

  • What is the current state of play of national systems in the frame of reporting on integrated PaMs and GHG emission projections? What key challenges do countries face in this reporting process?
  • What good practices have countries adopted to address these challenges?
  • How can innovation and digitalisation be leveraged to enhance monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes while overcoming these challenges?

The study also summarises the role and structure of the European Union system for reporting on PaMs and GHG emissions projections (the ‘Union system’). The Union system, established under the Governance Regulation, provides an overarching framework that clarifies roles and responsibilities within the EU, ensuring alignment and coherence between national, European, and global climate governance efforts.