Countries within the European Union are in dispute over their 2035 climate target as the COP30 summit approaches - according to leaks.
The European Union (EU) is currently engaged in a series of discussions about the framework conditions that will enable the proposal for the EU's climate emissions targets for 2035 and 2040 to move forward. The discussions, which involve Germany, Italy, and France, are taking place amidst varying opinions and approaches among EU countries.
The EU's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement is formally adopted by EU countries, but the EU climate target for 2040 will be adopted as an amendment to the European Climate Law, adopted in 2021. However, a decision on this matter has been pushed back from a ministers' meeting in September to a leaders' summit in October.
One of the points of contention is the proposed 66% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. Some EU countries are pushing for reductions closer to this target, while others prefer an indicative statement with a more ambitious target between 66% and 72.5%.
Denmark attempted to push for a vote on linking the 2035 and 2040 targets at ministerial level, but was blocked by Germany, Italy, and France. A number of countries are eager to adopt both the 2035 and 2040 targets at the same time, arguing it would strengthen the EU's ability to push for greater ambition globally at COP30 in Brazil in November.
On the other hand, some Eastern European countries prefer a more gradual approach, with France, Germany, and Italy advocating for linking the 2035 and 2040 targets. The Danish Presidency is working on two different options to bridge the gap regarding the EU's green efforts.
The EU diplomat stated that the EU Presidency is seeking guidance for a policy debate, not a general approach. It is unlikely a decision on a general approach can be taken only at the coreper (permanent country's representatives) level after the European Council discussion in October. An extraordinary environment council may be called before COP30 to adopt one.
The search results do not provide specific information about which countries are furthest from meeting the EU 2035 emissions reduction target of 66%. Under the Paris Agreement, the EU's NDC needs to be updated to include its 2035 target and reflect intermediate targets such as for 2040, to be presented at COP30 in November.
In the meantime, ministers are wrangling over national emissions targets for 2035, which must be fixed at EU level before the COP30 climate summit. One option involves the NDCs being in a lower range, while the other option proposes splitting the NDCs from the 2040 climate target.
The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for the EU's climate change strategy and its role in global efforts to combat climate change. The EU leaders are expected to reach a decision at the October summit.
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