2040 Climate Target Agreed: a deal, but not a breakthrough

Brussels, 5 November – Today European environment ministers finalised the long-awaited decision on the EU’s 2040 emission-reduction target and the 2035 climate plan under the Paris Agreement, just days before COP30 in Belém. The agreement concludes more than 20 months of debate since the European Commission first proposed a 90 per cent net domestic reduction target in February 2024. CAN Europe expects the EU to swiftly submit its new Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the UNFCCC Secretariat. While reaching an agreement before COP30 has been critical, today’s decision is certainly a disappointing outcome. After nearly two years of negotiations, ministers have agreed on a deal that weakens the core of Europe’s climate ambition. Although the 90 per cent headline figure remains, only 85% will be domestic, with up to 5 per cent of reductions occurring abroad through questionable credits.This would divert resources away from domestic decarbonisation and undermine the integrity of the EU’s transition. The agreement also indicates the further weakening of existing climate legislation. Sven Harmeling, Head of Climate at CAN Europe, said: “This long-awaited deal is far weaker than the 90 per cent headline suggests. By bowing to pressure of obstructing Member States, ministers have dangerously opened the door to up to 5 per cent of foreign carbon credits. This level of ambition fails to live up to the EU’s responsibility and ability to seriously confront the climate crisis.” ENDS Notes to the editors:

CAN Europe’s Recommendations for the Environment (ENV) Council Conclusions ahead of COP30
CAN Europe’s Key Demands for COP30
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