The European Union has unveiled its 2040 climate target, combining bold emissions cuts with controversial concessions to win over divided member states.
In a landmark move towards climate neutrality, the European Commission on Wednesday formally announced its long-awaited 2040 emissions-reduction target – specifically a 90 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels.
This legally binding objective marks a key stepping stone toward the EU’s ultimate goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
Unveiled amid sweltering early-summer temperatures sweeping across Europe – temperatures scientists confirm are worsening due to human-driven climate change – the plan reinforces the EU’s commitment to climate leadership.
But it also introduces new flexibilities aimed at easing tensions among member states, some of which have pushed back against the scale and speed of the transition.
Posting on X, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wrote: "As Europeans increasingly feel the impact of climate change, they expect Europe to act ... Today we show that we stand firmly by our commitment to decarbonise Europe's economy by 2050."
France key as policy architect
France has played a leading role in shaping the framework of the 2040 goals, working closely with Brussels to strike a balance between ambition and pragmatism.
French President Emmanuel Macron, while voicing concerns over the path to decarbonising European industry, has championed strong EU-wide standards with a key focus on ensuring nuclear energy has a place in the bloc’s clean energy future.
France's diplomatic efforts helped move the conversation forward after months of negotiations, with Macron consistently calling for safeguards that would protect European industry, particularly in sectors critical to France’s economy, while aligning with climate ambitions.
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A target with 'wiggle room'
To appease more reluctant member states, the Commission introduced a controversial measure – starting in 2036, up to 3 percent of the emissions target can be met through international carbon credits.
These credits – earned by investing in projects such as forest restoration or renewable energy in developing countries – would count towards national emissions reductions.
Critics argue, however, that this undermines the integrity of the target.
Neil Makaroff of the Strategic Perspectives think tank has warned that “three percent is not insignificant,” and fears the scheme could funnel investment abroad rather than funding Europe's own green transition.
The proposal has drawn fierce opposition from environmental groups and climate scientists, who have repeatedly questioned the environmental credibility of some international carbon offset schemes.
The Commission insists strict criteria will be set to ensure only high-integrity credits qualify, but doubts remain over enforcement and effectiveness.
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Political balancing act
The 2040 target must still, however, pass through several political hurdles.
EU environment ministers will take up the discussion in mid-July, ahead of a vote scheduled for 18 September.
It must also win the approval of the European Parliament before becoming law.
The Commission hopes to finalise the package before Cop30 – the UN climate summit set for November in Belém, Brazil.
While Europe is only required to submit a 2035 milestone to the United Nations, the Commission sees the 2040 target as central to shaping that interim goal.
Still, political divisions persist, with Italy, Hungary, and the Czech Republic raising alarm bells over the cost of decarbonising heavy industries, particularly during a time of mounting economic competition from the US and China.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has even floated a lower target of 80 to 85 percent, arguing that overburdening European industries could backfire.
Germany, meanwhile, has played a key role in pushing for the three-percent flexibility, echoing commitments made in its domestic coalition agreement.
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Europe at a climate crossroads
Wednesday's announcement, nevertheless, sends a strong signal that the EU remains committed to its climate promises, even amid rising political headwinds.
As EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra noted, decarbonisation is not just an environmental imperative, but a driver of long-term economic resilience.
Still, the new plan illustrates the difficult balancing act between ambition and realism, unity and flexibility. It’s a compromise that some see as necessary – and others as risky.
One thing is clear – as Europe is now the world's fastest-warming continent and extreme weather events are becoming the new normal, there is no time to waste.
