Brussels seeks to grant carbon dioxide allowances toward achieving the 2040 climate objective.
The European Union is set to include international carbon credits as a flexibility measure in its 2040 climate goal, aiming to ease the burden on member states in meeting their environmental targets. According to multiple diplomats and confirmed by EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra at a meeting with EU country representatives, this plan was discussed on Wednesday.
In an effort to secure backing for the ambitious target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels, the European Commission seeks to offer member states more flexibility in implementation. Previously, the EU's climate objectives were meant to be reached through domestic measures alone.
Reports suggest that the proposal, set for July 2, will allow for a 90% net emissions reduction goal with some flexibility. This may ease requirements on the industry, potentially setting a more lenient emissions reduction target for the sector, as well as providing countries with the option to purchase international CO2 credits from climate-friendly projects abroad to help reach the 90% target.
A Commission spokesperson declined to comment on the plans, but recent concerns regarding escalating costs for businesses faced with high energy prices and potential U.S. tariffs could be influencing the EU's decision to adopt a more pragmatic approach.
In light of the new plan, member states will gain greater flexibility in meeting their climate targets, particularly those confronting economic or technological constraints in achieving deep domestic emissions cuts. Additionally, the EU's proposal opens the door for broader international cooperation, potentially recognizing emissions cuts in countries with historical ties to certain member states.
Sources: ntv.de, rts.
[Sidenote: The European Union's 2040 climate target, formally proposed around July 2, 2025, unites stringent net emissions reduction goals with pragmatic flexibilities. One of these flexibilities includes the option to purchase and use international carbon credits. These credits stem from emissions reductions achieved through global projects, often based in less wealthy nations, such as renewable energy installations that replace fossil fuels. By investing in such projects abroad, EU member states can count the corresponding emissions savings toward their national targets, rather than implementing the same amount of emissions cuts domestically.]
- The European Union's new climate policy includes the use of international carbon credits as a flexibility measure, which will allow member states to ease the burden of meeting their environmental targets under the 2040 climate goal.
- This policy shift toward more pragmatism in the EU's efforts to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels is rooted in the need to offer member states greater flexibility in implementing their climate strategies.
- As part of this new policy, member states will have the option to purchase international CO2 credits from climate-friendly projects abroad, facilitating broader international cooperation and recognizing emissions cuts in countries with historical ties to certain member states.
