The European Union is committed to a green future: New 2040 climate target with a 90% emissions reduction

 

This proposal, driven by the political orientations of the Commission For 2024-2029, it seeks to provide certainty to investors, foster innovation, consolidate European industrial leadership, and enhance the continent's energy security.

 

The initiative comes at a time of strong public support for EU climate action, according to the latest Eurobarometer, which provides a strong mandate to advance the clean transition agenda. European Union The EU is already on track to achieve its 55% target by 2030, and this new proposal builds on that legally binding commitment. It also introduces a more pragmatic and flexible approach to decarbonizing the European economy by 2050.

 

A Robust Plan in a Complex Global Context

 

in tune with the EU Competitiveness Compass, the Clean Industrial Pact and the Affordable Energy Action PlanThe proposed 2040 climate target fully considers the current economic, geopolitical, and security landscape. This will provide investors and businesses with the predictability and stability essential for the clean energy transition. By staying on track with decarbonization, the EU seeks to stimulate investment in innovation, generate jobs and growth, strengthen its resilience to the effects of climate change, and achieve greater energy independence.

 

The President of the Commission, Ursula von der LeyenHe emphasized the urgency and long-term vision of this measure: “As European citizens increasingly feel the impact of climate change, they expect Europe to act. Industry and investors look to us to set a predictable direction. Today we are demonstrating that we remain firmly committed to decarbonizing the European economy by 2050. The goal is clear, the journey is pragmatic and realistic.”

 

Flexibility and Justice in the Transition

 

The proposal is supported by a comprehensive impact assessment and advice from experts such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Climate Change Experts and the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate ChangeIt emerges after extensive engagement with Member States, the European Parliament, stakeholders, civil society, and citizens.

 

A central element of the new strategy is the flexibilities the Commission will consider when designing future legislative instruments to achieve this goal. These include a limited role for high-quality international credits from 2036 onwards, the use of permanent national removals in the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), and greater flexibility across sectors. This will allow Member States to achieve their targets in a cost-effective and socially fair manner, for example, by offsetting a struggling sector with excessive achievements in emissions reductions in other areas such as waste and transport.

 

The Commission underlines the importance of accelerating and strengthening enabling conditions to support this objective, including a competitive European industry, a just transition, and a level playing field with international partners.

 

Promoting the Clean Industrial Pact and International Commitments

 

To complement the climate objective, the Commission has also presented a Communication on the first proposals relating to the Clean Industrial PactThis pact, crucial for decarbonization and competitiveness, has seen the adoption of a State Aid Framework to support investment in the energy transition and the simplification of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), exempting 90% of importers. Recommendations have been issued on tax incentives for clean technologies and industrial decarbonization, as well as guidelines for optimizing the use of new EU renewable energy rules.

 

With the proposed target of 90%, the EU reaffirms its global commitment to climate change, seeking to meet the Paris Agreement and continue collaborating with partner countries to reduce emissions globally. Ahead of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, the Commission will work with the Council Presidency to finalize the communication of the EU Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

 

The Commission's proposal will now be debated and adopted by the European Parliament and the Council, laying the foundations for the EU's post-2030 policy framework.