EU Sets 90% Emissions Cut by 2040

The European Commission is set to propose a new legally binding target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, marking a key milestone in the European Union’s long-term strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

This anticipated legislation follows a 2023 recommendation by the Commission calling for a 90% cut in emissions compared to 1990 levels. The new proposal, expected on Wednesday, would turn that advisory target into a binding commitment for all EU member states.

Currently, the EU mandates a 55% reduction in harmful emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels. The latest data from May shows that the bloc is on track to reach a 54% reduction by the end of the decade, narrowing the gap to the official 2030 target.

The European Commission has urged national governments to fully implement their climate strategies to ensure that emission goals are met on schedule.

These climate targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015, which seeks to limit global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels. As part of its obligations under the agreement, the EU must submit a comprehensive climate action plan through 2035 before the COP30 UN Climate Conference in Brazil this November.

The overarching goal remains achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, balancing any emissions released with those absorbed naturally or through advanced technologies.