Political opposition from member states and lawmakers forces a postponement of the EU’s plan to set a 2040 emissions reduction target, initially expected this quarter

The European Commission has delayed its plan to propose a new climate target for the European Union, postponing the expected 2040 emissions reduction commitment that was originally set to be introduced in the first quarter of 2025. The move comes after political opposition from several EU member states and lawmakers, who have expressed reluctance to support a 90 per cent emissions cut by 2040, a figure that the Commission had previously indicated.

In a regular press briefing on Friday, a Commission spokesperson confirmed that the proposal would not be adopted in the first quarter of the year, but declined to provide a new timeline for when it would be presented. The delay pushes back the EU’s efforts to amend its climate law and set a concrete 2040 target, which had been seen as a crucial step in aligning the EU’s 2030 emissions reduction goals with its long-term ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

The proposal has faced significant opposition from member states concerned about the feasibility and economic impact of such ambitious cuts, particularly as many regions are still transitioning to greener energy sources. The 90 per cent reduction target for 2040 was seen by some as overly ambitious, raising concerns among lawmakers and governments about its potential implications on industry and jobs.

This delay also affects the EU’s broader climate planning. The Commission had intended for the 2040 target to form the basis for the bloc’s 2035 climate plan, which was due to be submitted to the United Nations in February. However, the EU missed the deadline for that submission, further complicating its climate strategy.

Despite these setbacks, the EU has reaffirmed its commitment to its climate goals. European officials have emphasized that, unlike the US, which withdrew from the Paris agreement under President Donald Trump, Europe remains firmly committed to fighting climate change. The EU continues to experience extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, and droughts, all of which have been linked to climate change and its accelerating effects.

As the world’s fastest-warming continent, Europe’s climate strategy is under intense scrutiny. The delayed 2040 emissions target is seen as a crucial benchmark in ensuring the EU meets its long-term climate commitments and mitigates further environmental damage.