The EU postpones its climate target until 2040, France and Italy slow down the debate

The European Union's plan to adopt an ambitious climate target for 2040 met with resistance and was postponed. Ministers were originally supposed to adopt the agreement on September 18, but the countries' ambassadors removed the proposal from the agenda.

Three diplomats, who wished to remain anonymous, said ministers would discuss the 2040 target next week, but that talks would then be moved to the level of EU heads of government before an agreement could be reached. They are scheduled to meet in October.

If no agreement is reached next week, the European Union could miss the mid-September deadline by which all UN countries must submit new climate plans in preparation for the COP30 summit in November.

The target envisages a 90 percent reduction in net emissions compared to 1990, with part of this to be covered by emission certificates from abroad. While Denmark, Spain, and the Netherlands are in favor of rapid adoption, France, Poland, and Italy are opposed and are calling for a decision at the highest political level.

The European Commission argues that setting a clear target gives investors certainty and keeps the Union on track to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

(reuters, max)