The non-binding resolution now adopted by the European Parliament calls for an in increase of the CO2 emissions reduction for 2050 to make the EU economy more competitive and dramatically less dependent on fossil fuels. This resolution sets a policy framework for the European Union to achieve an 80-95% reduction in its CO2 emissions by 2050.

Following their previous calls to increase the EU's 20% emissions reduction target for 2020 and the European Commission's Roadmap presented in September 2011, the European Parliament has adopted a resolution for reaching a low-carbon economy by 2050. The Roadmap sets out milestones to reduce CO2 by at least 40% by 2030, 60% by 2040 and 80% by 2050. The resolution also warns that the current short-term goal is not on a cost-efficient pathway to deeper cuts that must be made in light of climate change.

In addition, MEPs recognise the Emissions Trading System (ETS) as the EU's main instrument to reduce industrial emissions and to help green investment, and they call for improvements, such as a possible set aside of pollution permits. Additionally, legislation to include aviation emissions in the ETS should be implemented in full, according the resolution.

On the other hand, the resolution notes the need to decarbonise power generation and highlights the need of binding renewable energy targets for 2030. For that reason, MEPs welcome the draft Energy Efficiency Directive, which aims to get the EU on track to meet its target to improve energy efficiency by 20% by 2020. Furthermore, they also support accounting measures and targets for other land use, affecting issues such as sustainable biofuels production and forestry.