The European Commission will propose that EU countries reduce emissions by 90% by 2040

The European Commission will propose that EU countries reduce emissions by 90% by 2040 shutterstock
Hanna Velyka

Decarbonization will be facilitated by an agreement on clean industry

The EU will make changes to its climate legislation by the end of March. Among the possible innovations is the reduction of net emissions by 90% by 2040.

Such plans became known from the working program of the European Commission, published on February 12.

In the document, this body of executive power stated that it intends to offer the EU countries by 2040 to jointly reduce their net emissions by 90% compared to 1990. Recall, earlier the countries of the bloc committed themselves to reduce net emissions by 55% by 2030 as part of the “Fit for 55” target.

The basis for a joint plan to decarbonize and boost competitiveness is expected to be the Clean Industrial Deal, which will “pave the way to the proposed target.”

EU officials say the 2040 climate target is also being used to set the 2035 target, which all countries must submit to the UN this year as a national contribution to the Paris climate agreement.

Among the key outcomes of the European Commission's 2025 work program is the adoption of the Industrial Decarbonization Accelerator Act, which will simplify permitting, approvals and reporting requirements.

A European Water Sustainability Strategy will be developed to effectively manage water resources and address the impacts of climate change, such as floods and droughts. It will introduce an integrated source-to-sea approach, the work program says.

The other day, EcoPolitic wrote about the fact that the largest polluting countries, including the EU, failed to submit their new climate plans to the UN in time.

Recall that a year ago, the European Commission has already announced ambitious climate goals until 2040, which provide for a 90% reduction in emissions.

Related
The Decarbonisation Fund has already allocated 2.2 billion hryvnia to low-carbon projects
The Decarbonisation Fund has already allocated 2.2 billion hryvnia to low-carbon projects

Their combined climate impact is an annual reduction in CO₂ emissions of 47,000 tonnes

General rules on packaging and PFAS restrictions: a new regulation is in force in the EU
General rules on packaging and PFAS restrictions: a new regulation is in force in the EU

Specific restrictions apply to PFAS, which are capable of causing a range of systemic diseases in humans and animals

Ukraine needs a transparent NETS that will support the decarbonisation of businesses — EBA
Ukraine needs a transparent NETS that will support the decarbonisation of businesses — EBA

The business community is convinced that the system requires a separate fund to finance low-carbon projects

The scorching summer will ‘cost’ the EU €180 billion and halt economic growth
The scorching summer will ‘cost’ the EU €180 billion and halt economic growth

The countries that have experienced the most hot days will bear the brunt of the financial impact