ERCST Reflection Note – EU Climate Change Policy: what is to be done?
On July 2nd, 2025, the European Commission put forward two documents. One is the Communication on the Delivery of Clean Industrial Deal. The European Commission also presented its proposal for a 2040 climate target establishing a 90% reduction in GHG emissions. This proposal amends Regulation 2021/1119 known as the European Climate Law. The Commission reaffirms its recommended target of a 90% GHG emission reduction compared to 1990 levels by 2040, consistent with the Communication on the Union’s climate target for 2040 and its related Impact Assessments published in February 2024.
In this reflection note, ERCST reflects on the Commission documents, highlighting the need to decarbonise without deindustrialising.
