The European Ministers for the Environment and Climate Action, meeting in EU Council in Luxembourg on Monday 17 June, held a policy debate on the 2040 climate target. This meeting follows the European Commission’s communication of 6 February (see EUROPE 13344/1), which proposes a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared with 1990.
The aim is to limit the economic losses and deaths caused by extreme weather events, while requiring massive investment in clean technologies. This is the second exchange, the subject having already been discussed at the March EU ‘Environment’ Council (see EUROPE 13378/4).
During the debate, a number of common concerns among the Member States emerged: competitiveness, just transition, the legislative and financial framework, technology and innovation, renewable energies and energy efficiency, and simplification of the regulatory framework.
The ministers widely emphasised the importance of ensuring that the transition to carbon neutrality does not hamper the competitiveness of European industry and that it is achieved in a way that is fair to all citizens, especially the most vulnerable. The Finnish minister, Kai Mykkänen, expressed the urgent need to close the 2040 climate file in order to provide industry with clear indications of the investments needed for the green transition.
He stressed the need to put in place a legislative framework for the most cost-effective emission reductions and the need to include all sources of carbon-free energy.
His Dutch counterpart, Mark Harbers, supported the target of reducing emissions by 90% by 2040, claiming that this would provide much-needed stability for businesses and strengthen the EU’s competitiveness. For him, it is vital to simplify permit procedures and resolve bottlenecks in the supply chain.
The importance of public and private funding to support the investments needed for the green transition was also defended.
The Secretary General of Natural Environment and Waters in the Ministry of Environment and Energy, Petros Varelidis, supported the idea of strengthening the EU’s competitiveness by developing strong industrial sectors and low-carbon technologies, insisting on a fair transition that leaves no one behind, notably through employment and training.
Romina Pourmokhtari, the Swedish minister, affirmed her country’s support for a 2040 target that is economically efficient and based on the best available scientific knowledge. Technology and innovation have been recognised as fundamental to achieving climate targets. Luxembourg’s minister, Serge Wilmes, confirmed his support for the 90% reduction target for 2040. He called for the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies, including carbon capture and storage.
The simplification of administrative procedures and regulations has been identified as a key factor in facilitating the green transition and encouraging investment. The need to reduce regulatory complexity and improve predictability for businesses was defended by the Lithuanian minister, Simonas Gentvilas.
For his Hungarian counterpart, Anikó Raisz, technological neutrality and the adoption of measures based on the economic reality of businesses are essential to attract foreign direct investment and ensure a fair and effective transition.
At the end of the meeting, the European Commissioner for Climate Action, Wopke Hoekstra, expressed his satisfaction at the work accomplished at all levels and his gratitude for the exemplary leadership of the Belgian Presidency. He reiterated the need to strengthen the European Union’s climate resilience and maintain a level playing field.
The European Commissioner also called for the preparation of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for future climate conferences, in particular for the COP30 in 2025. With discussions set to continue over the coming months as the Commission’s mandate draws to a close, Mr Hoekstra said that the next Commission should take account of the various points raised at this meeting, which helped to lay the foundations for enhanced cooperation with a view to taking a decisive step towards climate neutrality by 2050. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)