EU Delays Decision on 2040 Climate Emissions Target

European Union countries have postponed a decision on a proposed legally-binding climate emissions target aimed at reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. Originally scheduled for a vote on September 18, 2025, the discussions will now be escalated to an October summit of EU heads of state due to pushback from several member states, including France, Germany, Poland, and Italy.

EU ministers postpone vote on controversial 2040 climate emissions targetReutersPolitico EuropeEuronews

The European Commission proposed the 2040 emissions reduction target in July 2025 as part of a broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This target is intended to follow the EU's existing 2030 goal of at least a 55% reduction in emissions from 1990 levels. The urgency of the proposal is underscored by the increasing impacts of climate change, which have made Europe the fastest-warming continent, experiencing severe heatwaves and wildfires.

ReutersEuronewsEU ministers postpone vote on controversial 2040 climate emissions targetPolitico Europe

The Danish EU Presidency, currently leading the discussions, aimed to facilitate a ministerial vote on the target. However, significant opposition from major member states has complicated the process. France has advocated for the decision to be made at the leaders' level, while Slovakia and Hungary have expressed concerns that the proposed target could jeopardize their industrial sectors.

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Critics of the proposed target argue that it may not adequately consider the economic realities faced by member states. Slovakia's Environment Minister, Tomas Taraba, described the proposal as disconnected from the economic dangers facing European industries. Additionally, Austrian lawmaker Lena Schilling criticized the potential reliance on international carbon credits, labeling it a betrayal of youth and irresponsible towards taxpayers.

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EU diplomats have indicated that the decision to delay the vote was influenced by the need for more time to balance environmental ambitions with economic competitiveness. A spokesperson for the Danish Climate Minister acknowledged the complexity of reaching an agreement, stating, "It has always been our ambition to get agreement on an EU target for 2040 as quickly as possible. I can see that among a sufficient number of member states there is a desire for the heads of government to discuss the matter."

Politico EuropeEU ministers postpone vote on controversial 2040 climate emissions targetEuronews

The October summit will aim for a decisive discussion on the 2040 target, but no final decision is guaranteed. The delay raises concerns about the EU's ability to present its climate action plans to the United Nations by the end of September, as required under the Paris Agreement. The outcome of the discussions will significantly influence the EU's national climate action plans, which are expected to be presented at the COP30 climate summit in Belém, Brazil.

EU ministers postpone vote on controversial 2040 climate emissions targetEuronewsReutersPolitico Europe

While the European Commission has proposed a 90% emissions reduction target, several countries, including Slovakia and Hungary, have openly opposed it, arguing it could severely harm their industries. The lack of consensus among member states raises questions about the feasibility of achieving a unified EU climate strategy.

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• “We cannot support the text as it stands right now. It is not an ideal geopolitical timing. Also, the text was put on the table quite late,” — EU Official

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• “Diluting the EU climate target with carbon credits will only mean spending billions on pollution rights abroad instead of delivering real climate action here in Europe.” — Lena Schilling, Green/EFA Lawmaker

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• “The EU would have to transfer outside of its borders up to tens of billions of euros that would have otherwise been invested in domestic decarbonisation,” — Sven Harmeling, Head of Climate at Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe.

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