On Wednesday 5 June, the Member States’ ambassadors to the European Union (Coreper) briefly discussed the policy debate and exchange of views that will take place on 17 June at the ‘Environment’ Council in Luxembourg on the 2040 climate target and climate risk management, both of which have been the subject of targeted communications from the European Commission (see EUROPE 13344/1, 13369/11).
2040 climate target. An initial preliminary discussion on the 2040 target took place at the previous ‘Environment’ Council on 25 March, and was supported by the majority of Member States (see EUROPE 13378/4). They want to set “an ambitious target”, but have not yet formally adopted a position on the precise level of the future climate target.
The Commission Communication sets a target of a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions compared with 1990.
Several delegations asked for greater clarity on the social and economic impact of the recommended target and highlighted the need to take into account the issue of public acceptance.
Some have also warned against relying too heavily on carbon removals, whether technological or natural, when setting the climate target.
For several delegations, it is important that renewable energies are favoured to complete the energy transition, while some call for the principle of technological neutrality to be respected.
Finally, a large number of countries recognise the importance of setting this target at EU level, so that it can be included in the Union’s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), expected for 2025, in line with the Paris Agreement.
The questions addressed by the Belgian Presidency to the delegations concern the design of this 2040 goal and the post-2030 framework, taking into account the Union’s commitment to a competitive, fair and equitable transition, and how best to mobilise demand-side measures.
Climate risks. Following the presentation of the communication on climate risk management at the last ‘Environment’ Council (see EUROPE 13415/13), the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council involved various Council configurations in the discussions, such as Energy, Civil Protection, Tourism, Finance and Budget, Health, Industry and Agriculture.
In general, the national delegations recognise the need for a systematic sectoral policy response at EU level, improving coordination and collaboration between Member States and between sectors.
The delegations placed particular emphasis on monitoring and access to data, the importance of awareness-raising and communication, the need to work towards adequate funding and the vital role of water.
The Belgian Presidency is therefore asking European ministers for their opinion on the need for cooperation between levels of governance, including at EU level, to address the rapid increase in climate risks in Europe.
It also asks them what measures have been put in place at national, regional or local level to improve budget planning, and what methodological and informational tools are still needed to encourage reforms and investments aimed at strengthening resilience.
To see the EU Council’s preparatory documents: https://aeur.eu/f/cjg ; https://aeur.eu/f/cjh (Original version in French by Pauline Denys)