The European Union has agreed on a legally binding climate target to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% from 1990 levels by 2040, keeping it on track for its net-zero emissions goal by 2050. Under the agreement, European industries would reduce emissions by about 85%, while the remaining 5% would be covered through foreign carbon credits, meaning the EU would pay developing countries to cut emissions on its behalf.
While the target goes further than the commitments of most major economies, including China, it is weaker than the EU’s original proposal and below the level recommended by its climate science advisers. Some countries, such as Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary, opposed deeper cuts, citing high energy costs, pressure from cheaper Chinese imports, and U.S. tariffs on European goods.
Other member states, including the Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden, supported a strong target due to increasing extreme weather risks and the need for Europe to stay competitive in green technologies. To ease opposition, the EU agreed to delay the introduction of a new fuel carbon price until 2028 and left open the option of using additional international carbon credits in the future. The agreement now requires formal approval by both the European Parliament and EU member states, which is usually procedural.
