The European Commission has proposed that by 2040, European Union countries should reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels.
The EU aims to become climate-neutral by 2050, meaning it will emit no more greenhouse gases than can be absorbed by nature or through technological means. Currently, EU countries are required to reduce climate-altering pollution by 55% by 2030, also relative to 1990 levels.
Since the EU adopted its climate law in 2021, opponents of the bloc’s climate action and environmental ambitions have gained traction, arguing that these measures hinder economic progress.
“We are not choosing between the economy and the green agenda; we are choosing both. Europe is committed to a just, ambitious, and competitive transition to green energy,” said Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera.
The draft legislation presented on Wednesday must be negotiated by EU member states and the European Parliament before the new climate objective can take effect.
Increased Flexibility and International Carbon Credits
These plans offer member states greater flexibility in achieving climate targets. Until now, they could only account for greenhouse gas reductions at a national level.
From 2036, the proposal allows for carbon credits from non-EU countries to count for up to 3% of the total 90% reduction, compared to 1990 levels. The German government had requested such a mechanism prior to the objective’s presentation.
The EU’s climate goals are linked to the Paris Climate Agreement, adopted 10 years ago, which aims to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius.
