As part of the Climate Law 2021/1119, the European Commission is required to set an intermediate GHG emissions reductions target for 2040, in alignment with the EU's climate neutrality goal for 2050. A public consultation was launched in March 2023 to gather stakeholders views on the range of emissions reductions and the post-2030 climate policy framework that should accompany the 2040 Climate Target. In February 2024, the Commission proposed a 90% GHG target, with a finalized proposal expected in July 2025, to be followed by a second consultation.
Despite opposition to a science-based target of 90-95% emissions reductions by 2040 from the heavy industry and fossil fuel sectors, following supportive advocacy from a large coalition of science-aligned actors, the European Commission recommended a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. However, the Commission is considering to including ‘flexibilities’ to achieve the target, which could impact the ambition for the total domestic emissions reductions.
GHG emissions regulation
Communication released in February 2024: Commission to present a proposal enshrining the 2040 Target into law on 2nd July 2025
GHG emissions regulation
Communication released in February 2024: Commission to present a proposal enshrining the 2040 Target into law on 2nd July 2025
Ahead of the German federal election on 23 February, the Federation of German Industries (BDI) released a series of policy recommendations on climate and energy on 3 February. Among other things, the association called on the German government to only support the EU Commission's proposal to reduce GHG emissions by -90% by 2040 on the condition that the implementation of the target does not "overburden industry". The BDI also advocated for reforms of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, emphasizing the need to preserve exports and cautioning against a phase-out of free emissions allowances in the EU Emissions Trading System, positions that are misaligned with the EU Commission's policy ambition. Finally, the association supported 'hydrogen ready' gas infrastructure without stating the need to phase-out fossil gas, and advocated for exemptions of energy-intensive industries from EU environmental law.
In a March joint letter, Corporate Leaders Group Europe advocated for the EU to set a target of at least 90 per cent net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, which is aligned with the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change’s recommendations. In the letter, the industry association also advocated for the removal of fossil fuel subsidies and fully decarbonizing electricity generation, and called for policy measures to transition towards zero-carbon technologies or infrastructure.
In a February 7th joint statement, industry associations from the Alliance of Energy-Intensive Industries, including the European Steel Association (Eurofer), the European Cement Association (CEMBUREAU), the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic), and FuelsEurope, did not take a clear position of support on the EU’s 90% 2040 GHG target, emphasizing the importance of a supportive regulatory framework to achieve the goal but stressing deindustrialization, impacts on international competitiveness and risks of unilateral action. In a separate February 7th press release, Eurometaux’s leadership advocated for “more carrots and fewer sticks” in EU climate policy. Eurofer’s Director General seemed unsupportive the 2040 target of 90% emissions reductions in a press release.
In a January open letter, EuroCommerce strongly supported the separation of emissions reductions, land sequestration, and carbon removals targets in the EU 2040 Climate Target. The separation of these targets ensures the prioritization of GHG emissions reductions above carbon sequestration and offsetting, avoiding the undermining GHG emissions reduction goals.
In comments to a Euractiv article on January 3rd, the European Steel Association (Eurofer) and the European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) did not appear to fully support a 90% 2040 Climate Target in the EU, emphasizing technical feasibility and investment leakage.
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