Europe EU Commission wants 90 percent fewer emissions by 2040
The European Commission wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by at least 90 percent by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. Part of this reduction is to be offset by internationally recognized climate certificates, according to a proposal for a binding 2040 climate target.
02.07.2025, 12:11
SDA
The 2040 target would represent a further binding intermediate step on the way to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 - i.e. the goal of not emitting more greenhouse gases than can be sequestered. The plans that have now been presented still have to be negotiated by the EU states and the European Parliament. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "Today we are showing that we are firmly committed to decarbonizing the European economy by 2050."
More legroom for climate targets
In order to achieve the target, the Commission wants to create more flexibility. Until now, the EU has had to achieve its climate targets by reducing greenhouse gases on its own territory. According to the proposal, it should now also be possible to recognize climate certificates from non-EU countries from 2036. These could then be used to offset greenhouse gas emissions that occur in the EU.
Specifically, the Commission is proposing to apply this type of compensation to three percent of emissions from 1990. As the three percent refers to the base year 1990 and emissions have fallen since then, the proportion of today's emissions that could actually be offset would be significantly higher.
The Commission emphasized that the figure was the result of a balancing exercise. On the one hand, the EU is showing that it is continuing its domestic climate protection measures, but on the other hand it is also opening up to cooperation with third countries.
For the black-red federal government, compensation through climate certificates is a prerequisite for German support of the 90 percent target. The coalition agreement between the CDU, CSU and SPD stipulates that they should account for a maximum of three percentage points of the target.
EU still needs a target for 2035
The 2040 target is also to be used as the basis for the climate plans that the EU must submit to the UN. The alliance of states must submit its climate protection plans for the period up to 2035 by September at the latest so that they arrive in time for the World Climate Conference in Brazil in November. Like the vast majority of countries, the international community missed the first submission deadline in February. The national climate plans are a central element of the Paris Climate Agreement, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year.
