EU nations agree on bloc's climate milestones
(MENAFN) EU member states reached a landmark agreement Wednesday on the bloc’s climate milestones, setting a binding target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, just days before the start of the COP30 climate summit in Belem, Brazil.
Under the deal, the EU will aim to reduce emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels by 2040, with an interim target of a 55% reduction by 2030. The agreement provides a clear framework for national policies, industry regulations, and long-term investment decisions across member states.
Danish Climate Minister Lars Aagaard hailed the compromise, saying it “shows that we can stand together, even in difficult times.” He added that the target not only reflects global scientific guidance but also gives industries the clarity needed to plan for a low-carbon future. “With that in place, we can build a stronger, more competitive, and secure EU. That’s a big deal,” he said.
European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth Wopke Hoekstra described the outcome as “ambitious and pragmatic,” emphasizing that the deal balances climate action with economic competitiveness and energy security.
Hoekstra explained that the 2040 target includes a domestic reduction of 85%, with the option to use up to 5% in international carbon credits, providing flexibility while keeping the overall commitment legally binding.
The agreement also gives the European Commission a formal mandate ahead of COP30, where the EU is expected to advocate for stronger global commitments on climate finance, adaptation, mitigation, and nature protection. The Commission had initially proposed a 90% reduction target allowing for up to 3% in carbon credits to bridge the EU’s legally binding goals of cutting emissions by 55% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.
The deal signals a strengthened EU stance on climate leadership and provides a roadmap for decades of climate action across Europe, reinforcing the bloc’s commitment to international climate cooperation.
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