After marathon negotiations in Brussels, the European Union's environment ministers have agreed to set a binding target of a net reduction of 90% of emissions by 2040 with respect to 1990, incorporating adjustment clauses that helped to bring together the most reluctant partners and arrive at COP30 with a solid position.
The agreement was reached because qualified majority After almost 24 hours of talks, and combining climate ambition with flexibility mechanisms: a limited use of international creditsA phased implementation schedule is defined and the start of the new carbon market for buildings and road transport (ETS2) is postponed by one year until 2028.
What has been agreed
The reform of the European Climate Law anchors in law the 90% target by 2040which will act as a bridge between the 55% committed for 2030 and the climate neutrality mid-century. This framework will serve as the basis for updating sectoral standards in energy, industry, transport and agriculture.
Furthermore, the Twenty-Seven validated the EU NDC with a cut-off range for 2035 of between 66,25% and 72,5% with respect to 1990, as a sign of ambition in the face of the United Nations and the Belém climate summit.
The text received broad support: 21 countries, representing 81,9% of the European populationThey supported the proposal, thus exceeding the required qualified majority threshold.
Flexibilities and review
To finalize the agreement, the possibility of covering up to a 5% of the target through high-quality international loans Starting in 2036, with a trial period between 2031 and 2035. It also opens the door to another An additional 5% associated with national efforts, whose specific design must be detailed in the implementation texts.
Another agreed request affects the carbon sinksIf forests, soils or wetlands absorb less CO2 than expected, it will not be automatically required to compensate for the shortfall in other sectors, a key point for countries with large forest areas.
The tracking will combine a biennial assessment of progress supported by available science and technology, along with a more comprehensive review every five years of the target and the instruments, to adjust the trajectory if necessary.
National positions and votes
Spain and a broad group of States defended as "Red line" maintain 90% Without lowering their ambitions, Madrid accepted a limited package of flexibilities to close ranks. Italy and France pressed for wider margins, while Poland requested more guarantees of competitiveness.
The approval came despite the dissenting vote. Slovakia, Hungary and PolandThe Danish presidency stressed that the final compromise is "the best possible" to preserve ambition and maintain a clear message to investors.
From the Commission, the Climate Commissioner, Wopke HoekstraHe described the pact as "pragmatic and ambitious," although environmental organizations warned that resorting to external loans could dilute domestic efforts unless it is strictly limited.
Sectoral and economic implications
The new objective will force an acceleration of changes in industry, transport, energy and agriculture, with more renewablesModernized electricity grids, efficiency, and reduced fossil fuel consumption. Competitiveness and regulatory certainty have been central arguments for attract investment and sustain quality employment.
It is confirmed ETS2 delay to 2028 (buildings and road transport), in order to modulate the impact on households and avoid abrupt price increases, and the role of is recognized low-emission fuels in the decarbonization of transport beyond 2030.
France obtained references to the technological neutrality and steel, while several countries in central and northern Europe insisted that robust climate protection and a competitive economy They can go hand in hand if predictability is guaranteed.
Public health and waste sinks: collateral benefits
Beyond climate, cutting emissions has direct health effects: less air pollution This means fewer respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. The European Environment Agency estimates hundreds of thousands of premature deaths annual events associated with poor air quality in Europe.
The WHO warns that nine out of ten people They breathe air above recommended limits; reducing fine particles (PM2.5), NO2 or ozone requires accelerating the clean electrification and sustainable mobility in cities.
The reinforcement of the natural sinks —forests, wetlands, soils— will not only help absorb CO2, but is key to the biodiversity and resilience in the face of droughts, floods or fires, with tangible benefits for health and well-being.
Calendar and next steps
The Council has given the green light to his position and now he must negotiate with the European Parliament the final text. The Commission will present additional proposals to specify the sectoral pathways that will allow achieving the 2040 target.
With the updated NDC and the 90% target on the table, the EU is attending COP30 with a common positionThe challenge will be to translate the legal framework into real projects, with sustained investment and support mechanisms that guarantee a just transition for households, SMEs and the most vulnerable regions.
The agreement leaves the EU with a clear roadmap, plus flexible but demandingwhich combines intermediate goals, periodic review, and safeguards for sensitive sectors; now it's time to deploy policies and funding so that the 90% doesn't just remain a headline and translates into Fewer emissions, more competitiveness and cleaner air in all Europe.
