2040 climate target to come in ‘near future’ as EU countries vow to neuter it

The European Commission is under pressure to come up with a 2040 climate target that is in line with the reduced appetite for climate action among EU countries.

Despite delaying the proposal, the Commission would “stay the course” and in the “near future” propose reducing 1990 greenhouse gas emission levels 90% by 2040, Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall said after a meeting of EU ministers today.

Meanwhile, France and Poland – who is supposed to be an honest broker during its six-month chairmanship of the EU country body – have announced other plans.

“The 2040 objective has to be based on realistic measures,” said France’s Agnes Pannier-Runnacher, adding that nuclear power should be added to “all initiatives and all legislative texts when we talk about energy policy.”

Czechia said it was “critical” of the 90% vision, while the Hungarians and Slovaks want to delay the proposal until after EU leaders – who must agree unanimously – have agreed on a way forward. That would stall the process for months.

Italy said it would prefer a lower target.

With Germany unable to voice a clear stance – 90% is contentious in the negotiations between the Christian Democrat and SPD parties forming a government – the coalition of reticent countries looks to be in a dominant position.

Time is in their favour. Within months, Austria turned from a strong advocate of ambitious climate action into a neutral bystander.

And the anti-90% coalition knows they do not need to convince everyone, just enough.

“We do not have unanimity in the Council,” Polish Environment Minister Paulina Hennig-Kloska said while standing alongside Roswall.

Spain is the biggest country that continues to back 90%, supported by Finland and others. The ranks are thinning.

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