Agreement falls short of expectations – EPP must pave the way for EU climate target

Environment ministers finally agreed today (Wednesday, 5 November) on their position on the EU climate target for 2040. The Environment Council is sticking to the EU Commission's proposed target of a 90 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, but is calling for five per cent of this to be outsourced to countries outside the EU through EU-funded climate projects. The Greens/EFA welcome the fact that there is at least a Council position for the negotiations with the European Parliament, but criticise the shift of climate protection and investments of around €100 billion to countries outside the EU, as this will mean that the money will then be lacking for investments within the EU. The Greens/EFA will engage constructively to reach an agreement on the EU target for 2040 during COP30, which begins on Monday (10 November), and to send a strong signal.

Lena Schilling, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur for the EU2040 climate target in the lead Environment Committee, comments:

"Finally, the tragedy is over. After endless delays, the Council has crossed the finish line at the very last moment before the climate conference. It is good that the Council has at least agreed on a 90 per cent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2040, thereby taking up a key Green demand.

However, overall, the result falls short of expectations, it lacks ambition, clarity and commitment to climate protection. After months of deadlock, the agreement is a step forward, but it will come at a high price for the EU. The fact that the EU Member States have only agreed on a declaration of intent for 2035 instead of a concrete figure sends a fatal signal shortly before the Climate Conference. Austria's embarrassing zigzag course shows that the Austrian federal government's climate policy reversal is now continuing at EU level. A 90 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions is the absolute minimum in the fight against the climate crisis.

The financing of climate projects outside the EU alone could cost more than 100 billion euros. This money will be lacking for investments within the EU in the decarbonisation of our industry and in lower energy costs for citizens. Every euro we invest in real climate protection today will save us up to ten euros in follow-up costs if we do nothing. The EPP must give up its blockade and clear the way for constructive negotiations. The EU cannot afford to stand before the world without a climate target.”

Next steps

The Industry Committee voted on its position today (Wednesday, 5 November), and the Committee on the Environment, which is responsible for the dossier, will vote on Monday (10 November). The final plenary vote is scheduled for Thursday (13 November).