EU Commission aims to reduce emissions by 90 percent by 2040

The European Commission aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by at least 90 percent by 2040 compared to 1990. Part of this should be offset by internationally recognized climate certificates, according to a proposal for a binding 2040 climate target.

The EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050, meaning it will not emit more greenhouse gases than can be captured. The 2040 target is considered a milestone for the final goal and is intended to ensure its achievement. So far, in addition to climate neutrality by the middle of the century, only a legally binding target for 2030 has been established. According to this target, emissions must be reduced by 55 percent compared to 1990 levels by the end of this decade.

The plans now presented still need to be negotiated by the EU member states and the European Parliament. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "Today we are demonstrating our firm commitment to decarbonizing the European economy by 2050."

To achieve this goal, the Commission wants to create more flexibility. Currently, the EU has had to achieve its climate targets through greenhouse gas reductions on its own soil. According to the proposal, starting in 2036, it will also be possible to recognize climate certificates from non-EU countries. These could then be used to offset greenhouse gas emissions generated in the EU.

Specifically, the Commission proposes applying this type of compensation to three percent of emissions from 1990. Since the three percent refers to the base year 1990 and emissions have decreased since then, the actually compensable share of today's emissions would be significantly higher.

The Commission emphasized that this figure was the result of careful consideration. On the one hand, the EU demonstrates that it is continuing its domestic climate protection measures, but on the other hand, it is also opening itself up to cooperation with third countries. For the coalition government, offsetting through climate certificates is a prerequisite for German support for the 90 percent target.

The 2040 target will also serve as the basis for the climate plans that the EU must submit to the UN by September at the latest – in time for the World Climate Conference in Brazil in November. The EU, like most countries, missed the first deadline in February. The national climate plans are a central element of the Paris Climate Agreement, which celebrates its tenth anniversary this year.