EU only with declaration of intent on climate to New York
In recent days, it has become clear that the member states are currently unable to reach an agreement on precise climate targets for 2035 and 2040. The declaration of intent is primarily meant to ensure that the EU does not appear “empty-handed” at the United Nations General Assembly in New York next week.
European Commissioner for Climate Wopke Hoekstra is nonetheless confident that the EU will maintain its traditional climate leadership on the world stage. “I have a lot of confidence that this will be seen as a huge step forward,” said the Dutchman. “If you look at the fork (…) then everyone will recognize that this is very ambitious. We can only hope that others will match us.”
Hoekstra is adamant that the EU can still set a precise target for 2035 before the start of the UN climate conference in Belém, Brazil, which begins on November 10. First, the heads of state and government will discuss the issue in Brussels on October 23. Afterwards, the environment ministers will meet again.
The target for 2035 is linked to that for 2040, which does not need to be submitted to the UN but must be established in the European climate law. The European Commission advocated for a 90 percent reduction by 2040 before the summer recess, but does allow for more flexibility. For instance, member states could contribute up to 3 percent of the effort through the purchase of international carbon credits.
Belgium indicated before the start of the meeting that its approval of new climate targets depends on guarantees for citizens and businesses. The list is long. “Europe must provide all guarantees regarding the protection of the purchasing power of our households, the competitiveness of our companies, the development of employment, respect for a just transition, and the future of our agriculture,” explained the Walloon minister Cécile Neven.
