The current EU Effort Sharing Decision1 (ESD) ensures that the EU’s greenhouse gas (GHG) target for 2020 is legally binding for Member States and economy wide in scope. It covers almost 60% of Europe’s GHG emissions. Those sectors must deliver significant emissions reductions in the period from 2020 to 2030 if the EU is to develop on a competitive low carbon pathway. A legal framework for non-ETS emissions is therefore essential for the 2030 Climate package. In addition, effective policies in the ESD sectors can yield many other benefits such as job creation and improved public health. We urge the Parliament to utilize its upcoming report on the 2030 package to engage in a constructive debate and help secure the future and reform of the ESD.