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

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

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
Photo – War and decarbonization: how might CBAM affect Ukraine’s economy?
War and decarbonization: how might CBAM affect Ukraine’s economy?

CBAM may create additional pressure on Ukrainian businesses

Photo – In 2024, Metinvest spent $170 million on environmental modernization
In 2024, Metinvest spent $170 million on environmental modernization

Last year, the manufacturer identified environmental issues as one of its priorities

Photo – Decarbonization Fund: how many and which projects were financed in the first half of this year
Decarbonization Fund: how many and which projects were financed in the first half of this year

The total amount of loans granted is about UAH 275 million, which is not even close to the funds allocated for decarbonization of the EU industry

Photo – EBA analyzed the challenges and ways to solve them in establishing Ukraine's NDC2
EBA analyzed the challenges and ways to solve them in establishing Ukraine's NDC2

According to experts, as of today, modelling does not provide even a rough idea of greenhouse gas emission scenarios in the post-war period