Ottmar Edenhofer, the chairman of the advisory board, emphasized that scaling up CO2 removals is essential for the EU to meet its climate targets while also reducing emissions.

The EU has set a target for net-zero emissions by 2050, which necessitates removing more CO2 from the atmosphere than is emitted, a strategy known as net-negative emissions.

The European Commission considers carbon removal to be a critical component in reaching its ambitious 2050 net-zero target.

The European Climate Advisory Board has called for the EU to accelerate carbon dioxide removal (CDR) efforts to effectively combat climate change.

A report released on February 21, 2025, highlights the urgent need for the European Union to enhance its CDR initiatives to achieve its climate goals.

Despite the potential of carbon removals, some NGOs and experts warn against over-reliance on future sequestration methods instead of immediate climate action.

The advisory board has stressed the importance of establishing strict sustainability criteria to determine what qualifies as a permanent carbon removal.

Current prominent methods for CDR include bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and direct air capture and storage (DACCS), which are under discussion by the advisory board.

With the right incentives, innovation in CDR could be accelerated, bolstering the EU's competitive edge in the global clean technology race.

Edenhofer also noted that permanent removal projects could generate credits under a new model, providing a financing approach that lessens dependence on public budgets.

Experts increasingly support the integration of CDR into the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), although there are concerns about its potential impact on the scheme's effectiveness.

The report points out the decline of natural carbon sinks, such as forests and soils in the EU, and the slow implementation of new removal methods, highlighting the need for urgent political action.