EU Sets New Climate Goals: What it Means for Airlines, Hotels, and Cruises

Key Points

• The EU has passed a new law requiring a 90% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, targeting airlines, hotels, and cruises for accelerated decarbonization.
• Hotels face stricter building efficiency rules, cruise lines must drastically cut ship emissions, and new food waste reduction mandates are in place for restaurants and hotels.
• The EU relaxed its 2035 fossil fuel car ban, allowing for some hybrids and combustion engines, while hotels expand EV charger infrastructure to meet guest demand.

Summary

The EU has enacted a sweeping climate law mandating a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, imposing significant new requirements on airlines, hotels, and cruise operators. Airlines must blend increasing amounts of sustainable aviation fuel and curb non-CO2 emissions, while hotels face strict new building efficiency codes and must work to cut food waste. Cruise lines are required to reduce greenhouse gas intensity and use onshore power at EU ports. Meanwhile, the EU has softened its 2035 fossil fuel car ban, prompting hotels to continue investing in EV charging infrastructure in response to growing traveler demand.