Core prerequisite for reaching global ambitous climate targets is a nearly carbon-free economy by mid-century. In this context a number of EU member states have developed long-term climate scenarios and thus initiated first discussions on national and European level. However, based on national circumstances, political orientation and differences in national starting points, the scenarios differ from each other in the targeted ambition, the methodological approach and the coverage of the studies. This paper presents a detailed analysis of six country studies.