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On Tuesday evening, negotiators from Parliament and Council reached a provisional political agreement on an amendment to the EU Climate Law, setting a new, intermediate and binding 2040 EU climate target of reducing net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels.
Key points include introducing flexibility for member states to meet the target, such as allowing up to five percentage points of emissions reductions (two more than previously proposed) through high-quality international carbon credits compatible with the Paris Agreement. Safeguards were added to ensure that carbon credit funding does not support projects that contradict the EU's strategic interests. Additionally, the EU will assess the role of international credits in meeting the target and ensure the stability of the EU emissions trading system (EU ETS).
Other provisions include the use of domestic carbon removals to offset hard-to-abate emissions and increased flexibility across sectors to achieve cost-effective targets. The introduction of the EU’s ETS2, covering emissions from buildings and road transport, will be delayed from 2027 to 2028.
The Commission will review progress every two years, considering the latest scientific data, technological developments, and EU competitiveness. If necessary, it will propose amendments to the Climate Law based on this review, potentially adjusting the 2040 target or introducing additional measures.
Next, Parliament will vote on the agreement, and the Council must also endorse it. The amendment will take effect 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal.
This amendment strengthens the EU's commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and reinforces the legally binding target of a 55% reduction in emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels.
December 10, 2025/ EP/ European Union.
https://www.europarl.europa.eu
