European environment ministers have finalised a long-awaited decision on the EU’s 2040 emission-reduction target and the 2035 climate plan under the Paris Agreement, just days before COP30 in Brazil.
The agreement introduces a binding intermediate climate target for 2040 of a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, compared to 1990 levels.
“The target is rooted in science and at the same time, it combines our competitiveness and security,” said Denmark’s climate minister Lars Aagaard, for thwe EU p[residency: “This is important for the future of Europe – and it shows that even in challenging times, we can stand united.”
The new EU Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which will now be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), is to reduce net GHG emissions by 66.25 –72.5 % below 1990 levels by 2035, covering all sectors of the economy and all GHGs.
The amendment also sets out some areas of flexibility and key elements for the 2040 target and for the post-2030 climate framework.
The general approach agreed by EU Member Statesis on a legally binding headline 2040 target of 90% with a domestic target of 85% and up to 5% of international carbon credits.
The message from the agreement is thyat the EU goes to COP30 with its new NDC, advanced discussions on the 2040 target, and a clear message that Europe is delivering on its climate commitments, at home and on the global stage.
Environmental groups are less pleased with the agreement. “This long-awaited deal is far weaker than the 90 per cent headline suggests,” said the Head of Climate at CAN Europe: “By bowing to pressure of obstructing Member States, ministers have dangerously opened the door to up to 5 per cent of foreign carbon credits.”
Although the 90 per cent headline figure remains, CAN Europe point out that only 85% will be domestic, with up to 5 per cent of reductions occurring abroad through “questionable credits”. This, they say, would divert resources away from domestic decarbonisation and undermine the integrity of the EU’s transition.
Council’s position on the amendment to the European climate law
