Climate: the EU proposes flexibilities around its 2040 target
Brussels – After several months of uncertainty, the European Commission proposed on Wednesday to maintain its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, but it introduces “flexibilities” in response to the reluctance of some countries.
However, it was necessary to show “pragmatism” as the discussion is politically “sensitive” among the 27, acknowledged Wopke Hoekstra, the European Commissioner for Climate, before the press in Brussels.
The Commission still aims for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990.
But to the dismay of environmental organizations, the executive introduces flexibility in the calculation, in order to rally the most skeptical states.
Starting in 2036, the Commission is willing to take into account the acquisition of international carbon credits, up to 3% of the total, to finance projects outside of Europe.
NGOs oppose this. Backed by scientific studies, they question the “real” impact of such credits on CO2 emission reductions. (July 2, 2025)
