Coalition for Higher Ambition Calls on EU Leaders to Commit to At Least 90% Emissions Reduction by 2040

Brussels, 13 March 2025, Ahead of the upcoming European Council (EUCO) and Environment Council (ENV), the Coalition for Higher Ambition is urging EU leaders to support a net domestic emissions reduction target of at least 90% by 2040 and to finally submit an ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Since the European Commission released its Communication on the 2040 climate target in February 2024, the impacts of the climate crisis have continued to escalate worldwide. More than one year on from this announcement, the necessary Climate Law amendment is yet to be seen, as is the now overdue EU NDC to be submitted under the Paris Agreement. The Coalition for Higher Ambition (a broad alliance of businesses, local and regional authorities and civil society groups), is now calling on the EU and Member States to fully meet its obligations in order to build on the European Green Deal in addressing the climate crisis.

The recent Clean Industrial Deal and the Competitiveness Compass announcements reaffirm the EU’s commitment to decarbonisation, recognising that climate ambition is a driver of economic competitiveness as well as of energy security. Businesses, investors, and local and regional authorities are already leading the way in this regard, investing in clean industries, decarbonisation, and resilience measures. In this framework, a clear and ambitious 2040 climate target will provide increased certainty for businesses and financial markets, de-risk investments, and strengthen Europe’s economic leadership.

“The broad coalition calling for a science-based target speaks volumes. Europe has a choice: act decisively now and harness the opportunities of the green transition, or risk falling behind” said Chiara Martinelli, Director at CAN Europe. “An ambitious 2040 emissions reduction target will ensure the co-benefits of job creation, economic growth, social protections, public health improvements, and energy security well before 2040”.

The Coalition urges EU leaders to swiftly agree on ambitious and science-aligned post-2030 targets to reflect:

• At least 90% net domestic emissions reduction by 2040 (compared to 1990 levels), in line with the recommendations of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC).
• An ambitious NDC that reflects the EU’s responsibility as a historic emitter, including a 2035 target no lower than at least 72.5% net domestic emissions reductions.

Ahead of COP30, the EU must reaffirm its global climate leadership through ambitious domestic policies and international collaboration. Failing to deliver a strong NDC after missing the UNFCCC deadline would undermine global progress and weaken Europe’s position as a credible partner in the just transition.

From the coalition members:

Minna Arve, Mayor of Turku and Eurocities Shadow Commissioner for Climate Resilience:

“The Clean Industrial Deal sets the stage for Europe’s future, but without a binding 2040 climate target, the plan is incomplete. Cities need certainty to invest and deliver real climate action. We urge the Commission to act now. Without clear targets, we risk losing time we don’t have.” 

Patrick ten Brink, Secretary General, European Environmental Bureau:

“Ending our dependence on fossil fuels is not just a climate imperative – it is a very cornerstone of Europe’s security, resilience and sovereignty. Only by swiftly phasing out fossil fuels and scaling up renewables, we will shield the EU from geopolitical threats and rising energy prices. The time to act is now, both our planet and the European project depend on it.”

Louise Coffineau, Head of Advocacy, Eurocities:

“Cities are already leading the way on decarbonisation on the ground, but they need clear direction and ambitious EU targets to ensure a just and competitive transition. Without a legally binding 2040 climate target, Europe risks stalling its industrial transformation and missing its 2050 commitments.”

Kirsten Dunlop, CEO, Climate KIC:

“Europe’s competitive future depends on bold transformation, not incremental transition. Climate KIC is catalysing change by aligning regional and city-industry collaboration through EU initiatives like NetZeroCities, shaping lead markets for sustainable and resilient decarbonisation solutions. The Clean Industrial Deal must enable this transformation by integrating policy, finance, and innovation to ensure industrial change is not only possible but inevitable.”

Monica Frassoni, President, European Alliance to Save Energy:

“A varied and broad group of actors, including industry and civil society organizations, calls for a science-based climate target of at least 90% emissions reduction by 2040. Energy efficiency is essential to achieving this while driving competitiveness and energy security. A stronger and decarbonized Europe starts with using energy smarter and more efficiently through technologies and solutions that are manufactured in Europe.”

Andreas Gürtler, Foundation Director, European Industrial Insulation Foundation:

“The EU must set itself ambitious climate targets and seize the energy transition as an opportunity to reduce dependency on fossil fuel imports and strengthen its own industry by boosting competitiveness. One important cornerstone to get there is to use our well-developed European Standards as effective drivers for enhancing energy efficiency and a backbone that helps guide us towards a sustainable future.”

Pauline Lucas, Policy Director, Euroheat & Power:

“To achieve ambitious 2040 climate goals, we must urgently tackle our costly dependency on fossil fuels embedded in the heating and cooling infrastructure. The solution is already at hand: efficient district heating and cooling networks that tap into renewable and waste heat sources. All we need now is political determination to scale-up these networks, cut emissions, enhance energy security, and protect Europeans from rising energy costs.”

Valérie Séjourné, Managing Director, Solar Heat Europe:

“The solar thermal sector supports a target of at least 90%. This is more than an ambition; it is an imperative! Still, we need to point out that heat decarbonisation is essential to reach CO2 targets and needs further visibility, political support and a dedicated action plan.”

Wolfgang Teubner, Regional Director, ICLEI Europe:

 “The 2040 climate target will serve as a crucial milestone on our journey to climate neutrality by 2050, providing cities with the clear direction and long-term framework they need to continue leading this transformation. As we work together towards achieving the ambitious decarbonisation and competitiveness goals of the EU, the importance of establishing a robust 2040 climate target cannot be overstated. European cities are at the forefront of the fight against climate change, implementing innovative solutions that not only contribute to reducing emissions but also enhance the quality of life for their residents.”

Júlia López Ventura, Regional Director for Europe, C40 Cities:

“In view of COP30, the EU must lead by presenting an ambitious NDC and deepening collaboration with cities to drive a just transition. Joining CHAMP is the opportunity for national and local governments to work together to accelerate climate action, ensuring stronger, more inclusive policies that deliver a sustainable future for all.”

ENDS

Notes to the editor:

• The letter and list of signatories can be read in its entirety here.
• The Coalition for Higher Ambition, convened by CAN Europe, is a unique gathering of businesses, investor groups, local and regional authorities, trade unions and civil society groups, standing together to advocate for the EU to ramp up its climate action. Organisations joining the Coalition for Higher Ambition represent major stakeholders from across Europe and a cross section of the European economy, demonstrating the breadth and depth of the call for climate leadership. Read more here.
• Whilst the broad coalition calls for at least 90% net emission reductions by 2040 (relative to 1990 levels), some members of the coalition, including CAN Europe, call for even higher levels of ambition (in CAN Europe’s case – 100% net emission reductions by 2040 at the latest).