EU Commission chief reportedly signals flexibility on 2040 climate target

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has reportedly signaled flexibility on the EU's 2040 climate target ahead of a summit, as member states voice concerns over the ambitious emissions reduction plan.

The target, proposed by Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth Wopke Hoekstra in July, calls for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. However, several major EU countries have expressed apprehension that such an ambitious goal could strain their economies.

In a letter sent to EU member states ahead of the summit, von der Leyen suggested that the target "can be lower than 90 percent," provided that any shortfall is offset by emissions reductions outside the EU, Dutch broadcaster NOS reported.

​​​​​​​She also pledged support for industries transitioning to greener technologies, in an effort to address concerns from France and Germany, whose steel, aviation, and automotive sectors could be heavily impacted.

Hoekstra, who backs the 90% target, previously included measures to ease the burden on member states. His proposal allows countries to count certain foreign climate benefits for up to 3% of their emissions reductions.

Heleen de Coninck, climate scientist and vice chair of the Dutch Scientific Climate Council, told NOS that the EU should not reduce its climate ambitions just because major emitters like the United States and China have lower targets, adding: "If we don't do it, no one will."

She said China is already leading the way in developing green technology. "We really need to pull ourselves together to compete. And we can do that by setting these goals and truly encouraging our private sector and businesses to do so," she added.

Ministers responsible for the environment from EU member states will meet in Luxembourg on Thursday to discuss the EU's climate policies.