The Climate Law mandate the EU to set a 2040 climate target, within six months of the first Global Stocktake,  as a crucial step toward achieving climate neutrality. The Commission is expected to release a communication about the 2040 target on February 6.

Last year, during the Commission’s public consultation on the subject, the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC) published its report ‘Scientific advice for the determination of an EU-wide 2040 climate target and a greenhouse gas budget for 2030–2050’. The assessment urges the EU to adopt a 90-95% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target by 2040 and recommends offsetting any surplus beyond the EU’s equitable share of global emissions by intensifying mitigation endeavors internationally. Additionally, it highlights reducing energy consumption, decarbonising the power sector, expanding renewable energy sources, and enhancing the electrification of industry and transportation as strategic, no-regret choices for the transition.

After the Commission tables its proposal, a formal exchange is expected at the Environment Council on 25 March. EU heads of state will then have an opportunity to weigh in on the debate at a summit on 27-28 June as part of the EU’s Strategic Agenda for 2024-2029, which will set the EU’s priorities for the new institutional cycle after the June EU elections.

Agenda    Recording