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EU Commission proposes 2040 climate target with flexibilities

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on July 2, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 23, 2026

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EU Commission proposes 2040 climate target with flexibilities
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BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission on Wednesday proposed that the EU reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2040, compared with 1990 levels, but included flexibilities to soften the

EU Commission Unveils 2040 Climate Goal with Flexibility Options

BRUSSELS (Reuters) -The European Commission on Wednesday proposed that the EU reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2040, compared with 1990 levels, but included flexibilities to soften the emissions cuts for domestic industries.

The proposal said the European Union can buy carbon credits from developing countries and count these credits to meet 3 percentage points of the 2040 goal. This is a new approach - the EU's existing climate targets are based solely on domestic emissions cuts.

The proposal must be negotiated and approved by the European Parliament and a reinforced majority of EU countries.

(Reporting by Kate Abnett, editing by Bart Meijer)

Key Takeaways

  • EU aims to cut emissions by 90% by 2040.
  • Proposal includes flexibility for domestic industries.
  • Carbon credits from developing countries can be used.
  • New approach compared to previous EU targets.
  • Proposal requires approval from EU Parliament and countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the EU's proposed climate target for 2040?
The European Commission proposed that the EU reduce its net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels.
What flexibility options are included in the EU's climate proposal?
The proposal allows the EU to buy carbon credits from developing countries, which can count towards meeting 3 percentage points of the 2040 goal.
What is the next step for the EU's climate proposal?
The proposal must be negotiated and approved by the European Parliament and a reinforced majority of EU countries.

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