New EU 2040 climate target: MEPs to debate Commission proposal
On Tuesday afternoon, MEPs will debate the new 2040 greenhouse gas reduction target of 90% compared to 1990 levels, to be included in the EU Climate Law.
The Commission’s proposal of 2 July 2025 also includes possible flexibilities on how to reach the 2040 target, such as high-quality international credits starting from 2036, the use of domestic permanent removals in the EU emissions trading system, and greater flexibility across sectors to help achieve targets in a cost-effective and socially fair way.
On Tuesday, MEPs will also discuss the need for the EU to scale up clean technologies. In a resolution adopted on 25 June, Parliament set out its priorities for the "clean industrial deal" legislative agenda. MEPs advocated regulatory simplification and faster permitting procedures to support small businesses’ transition and innovation efforts.
Background
The European Parliament has been calling for stronger environmental and climate policies for many years, and on 28 November 2019 it declared a climate and environmental emergency.
The European Climate Law, which commits the EU to become climate neutral by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, entered into force in July 2021.
A report from the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change recommends that the EU strive for a 2040 target of 90 to 95%.
Debate: Tuesday 8 July
Procedure: Commission statements, followed by one round of political group speakers, without resolution