New EU 2040 climate target: Environment Committee Chair Antonio Decaro reacts
The Commission has today proposed a 2040 greenhouse gas reduction target of 90% compared to 1990 levels, to be included in the EU Climate Law.
The Commission’s proposal 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 flexibilities across sectors to help achieve targets in a cost-effective and socially fair way.
Antonio Decaro (S&D, IT), Chair of the Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety, commented on the proposal:
“I welcome the Commission's proposal to set a binding 2040 greenhouse gas emissions reduction target of 90% compared to 1990 levels, and to incorporate it into European Climate Law. This is a crucial choice that can no longer be postponed: a milestone on the road to climate neutrality by 2050, but also a clear political signal of the EU's willingness to lead the global fight against climate change with consistency and determination.
However, let us be clear: flexibility cannot become a backdoor for deregulation. Any changes to the 2040 target fixed must be made conditional on respecting scientific rigour and ensuring social equity. We cannot afford disguised derogations or ambiguities that undermine the EU's credibility or the targets set.
The stakes are very high. Every tonne of CO₂ emitted today compromises our future. This is why Parliament is ready to play its part, in a constructive spirit and with a sense of responsibility. I appeal to all political groups and Member States to move quickly to reach an ambitious agreement on the 2040 target. Only then will we be able to update the EU's nationally determined contribution in good time before COP30 in Brazil in November 2025.
The world needs clear rules urgently. There is no longer time for hesitating. We have a political and moral obligation to ensure concrete and measurable progress. Only then will we be able to maintain the possibility of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C, as the scientific data demands and as per the commitments made in the Paris Agreement.”
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%.
Contacts:
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Thomas HAAHR
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