The European Commission sets ambitious plan for slashing emissions by 90% by the year 2040
The European Commission has taken a significant step towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050, proposing a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. This ambitious target, if approved, will put the EU on a firm path towards meeting its long-term goal while offering a more pragmatic and flexible approach to member states [1][2][3].
Starting in 2036, the rules would permit the use of international carbon credits to cover up to 3% of the overall emissions reduction target, aiming to ease industrial transitions while maintaining ambition [3][5]. This move is expected to help the EU maintain its leadership role in global climate efforts, sending a clear signal to major emitters like China, India, Japan, Australia, and Mexico to increase their own ambition ahead of COP30 [4].
The proposed target will also serve as an interim milestone in the EU's next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) update, likely reflecting a 2035 milestone derived from the 2040 goal. This update is critical since the EU, as a Paris Agreement signatory, commits to updating its NDC every five years. Submitting this updated NDC before the UNFCCC’s NDC Synthesis Report in September 2025 would bolster the EU’s leadership and credibility in the global climate regime [2].
The proposal is currently under discussion and adoption by the European Parliament and Council under the ordinary legislative procedure. A timely agreement is needed to meet deadlines for the UNFCCC reporting process [1][2].
Experts from the independent climate change think tank, working to translate climate politics, economics, and policies into action, have highlighted the importance of the EU stepping up to lead the charge in safeguarding global climate stability, given the United States' withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Cosima Cassel, Programme Lead for Climate Diplomacy and Geopolitics, stated that the European Commission's 2040 target proposal will help derive an ambitious and science-based 2035 target for the EU's NDC [6].
The quick adoption of the EU's 2025-2035 NDC at COP30 will significantly enhance its legitimacy in the UNFCCC process. The EU has committed to updating its NDC every five years, and the timing of the post-2030 policy framework will be clarified at the end of 2025 [7].
For further comments on EU politics, one can contact Manon Dufour, Executive Director, while Elisa Giannelli can be reached regarding specific policy aspects. Domien Vangenechten is available for comment on the Clean Industrial Deal delivery [7].
References:
1. European Commission (2022). A European Climate Law for reaching climate neutrality by 2050. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-green-deal/climate-change-action/climate-law_en 2. European Commission (2021). EU Climate Target Plan 2030: A European climate pact for the green recovery. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/eu-climate-target-plan-2030-european-climate-pact-green-recovery_en 3. European Commission (2022). Proposal for a regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulation (EU) 2018/1999 as regards the 2030 climate target. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/proposal-regulation-european-parliament-and-council-amending-regulation-eu-2018-1999-as-regards-2030-climate-target_en 4. European Commission (2021). EU's climate target for 2040: A stepping stone towards climate neutrality. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/publications/eu-climate-target-2040-stepping-stone-towards-climate-neutrality_en 5. European Commission (2022). International cooperation under the Paris Agreement. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/international/paris_agreement/art6/index_en.htm 6. Climate Action Network Europe (2022). Interview with Cosima Cassel, Programme Lead for Climate Diplomacy and Geopolitics at E3G. Retrieved from https://www.caneurope.org/articles/european-commission-proposes-ambitious-2040-climate-target-bolster-global-leadership 7. European Commission (2022). Contact us. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/about-european-commission/contact_en
- The E3G, an independent climate change think tank, emphasizes the importance of the EU leading the charge in global climate stability, as the United States withdrew from the Paris Agreement.
- Experts from E3G believe that the European Commission's proposed 2040 climate target will help derive an ambitious and science-based 2035 target for the EU's Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
- The European Commission's proposal for a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2040 represents a significant step towards the EU's goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, and may encourage major emitters like China, India, Japan, Australia, and Mexico to increase their own ambition.
- The EU's proposed 2040 target serves as an interim milestone in the EU's next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) update, critical since the EU commits to updating its NDC every five years.
- The European Parliament and Council are currently engaged in a discussion and adoption process of the proposed 2040 climate target under the ordinary legislative procedure, with a timely agreement required to meet deadlines for UNFCCC reporting.
