EU Parliament backs 90% emissions cut target by 2040 to reach net zero

MEPs on the European Parliament’s Environment, Climate and Food Safety Committee have adopted their position on a revision to the EU Climate Law, calling for a binding target to reduce net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90 per cent by 2040 compared with 1990 levels. The measure is intended to ensure the EU remains on track to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.

The committee voted 55 to 32 in favour of the position, with no abstentions. A plenary vote is scheduled for November 13, after which negotiations with EU member states will begin.

MEPs agreed that climate action must align with economic competitiveness and therefore support introducing flexibilities in how reductions can be achieved, the European Parliament said in a release.

From 2036, member states would be allowed to use up to five percentage points of high-quality international carbon credits from partner countries to meet the target. This exceeds the European Commission’s earlier suggestion of three percentage points, but MEPs insist such credits require strong safeguards to ensure environmental integrity.

They also propose allowing domestic, permanent carbon removals to offset hard-to-abate emissions under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), alongside additional flexibilities across sectors to ensure cost-effective compliance.

In addition, MEPs back the proposal to delay the launch of the ETS2 scheme, which covers CO2 emissions from fuel use in buildings and road transport, from 2027 to 2028 in order to give households and businesses more time to adapt.

The committee calls for progress towards the 2040 target to be reviewed every two years. The assessment would consider scientific evidence, technological advances, energy price trends, and impacts on EU industry competitiveness. It would also evaluate whether carbon removals are on track and identify any emerging challenges.

Depending on the findings, the Commission may propose changes to the target or introduce additional measures to maintain social and economic stability during the transition.

The existing European Climate Law already commits the EU to climate neutrality by 2050 and a legally binding reduction of at least 55 per cent in GHG emissions by 2030, relative to 1990. The 2040 target is expected to guide long-term investment decisions and strengthen the EU’s position in global climate diplomacy.

The timing coincides with the 30th UN climate conference in Belém, Brazil. A delegation from the European Parliament will participate from November 17 to 21.

Once the Parliament adopts its full position, trilogue negotiations with EU member states will begin to finalise the legislation.

ALCHEMPro News Desk (HU)