August M
The European Union has struck a political compromise on its next major climate milestone, agreeing to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% from 1990 levels by 2040 — a target weaker than Brussels originally proposed and below the recommendation of its own scientific advisers.
The agreement, reached before dawn on Wednesday, also allows the bloc to meet part of its goal by purchasing carbon credits abroad.
Negotiators from the European Parliament and EU member states confirmed the deal, which still requires formal approval, Reuters reports.
Softer goal, split responsibilities
Under the new target, European industries will be expected to deliver an 85% domestic emissions reduction.
The remaining 5% will come from buying carbon credits from developing countries, enabling them to reduce emissions on Europe’s behalf.
Reuters reports the EU may, in future, use international credits to cover another 5%, further diminishing the burden on domestic cuts.
Danish climate minister Lars Aagaard, speaking for EU governments, said the deal “delivers on the need for climate action while safeguarding our competitiveness and security.”
Disagreements shape outcome
According to Reuters, the final text reflects deep divisions inside the bloc over how quickly Europe should transition. Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary argued that steeper cuts would cripple industries already strained by high energy costs, competition from Chinese imports, and U.S. tariffs
By contrast, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden pushed for stronger targets, pointing to worsening climate impacts and the need to keep pace with China in green technology production.
To secure agreement, negotiators accepted a concession: delaying by one year — to 2028 — the introduction of a controversial carbon price on heating and road fuels.
Path to net zero
The 2040 target is meant to keep the EU on course for its legally binding 2050 net-zero commitment.
While the 90% cut surpasses pledges from most major economies, including China, climate scientists advising the EU had urged a more ambitious benchmark.
The Parliament and member states must now vote to adopt the measure, a step that typically formalises pre-arranged deals without major changes.
Sources: Reuters
