France blocks the EU climate target for 2040

France is calling for negotiations on the new EU climate target for 2040 to be moved from the ministerial level to the level of member states' heads of state and government, which could delay the planned agreement. The country argues that there are uncertainties regarding the feasibility of the target and is simultaneously facing an internal political crisis.

Negotiations at the level of heads of state and government are more complicated because they require unanimity. The European Commission proposes to reduce emissions by 90 percent by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. However, the proposal is meeting with resistance from several countries, including Poland and Czechia.

Some countries, such as Spain and Denmark, warn that adopting separate targets for 2035 and 2040 could weaken the overall ambition of climate policy.

Although the European Union is trying to stay on course for carbon neutrality by 2050, negotiations are being hampered by differing views on the burden on industry.

(reuters, mja)