EU proposes 90% reduction in greenhouse gases by 2040

The European Commission proposed that by 2040, European Union countries reduce greenhouse gas pollution by 90%, compared to the level they had in 1990.

The EU aims to become climate neutral by 2050 - meaning it will not emit more greenhouse gases than can be absorbed by nature or by technical means.

Currently, EU countries must reduce climate-changing pollution by 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.

Since the EU adopted climate law in 2021, opponents of climate action and the bloc's environmental ambitions have gathered strength, arguing that the measures hinder economic progress.

"We are not choosing between the economy and the green agenda, we are choosing both. Europe is committed to a just, ambitious and competitive transition to green energy," said Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera.

The draft law presented on Wednesday must be negotiated by EU countries and the European Parliament before the new climate target can come into force.

With these plans, member states will have more flexibility to achieve climate objectives.

Until now, they have only been able to calculate greenhouse gas reductions at the national level.

From 2036, the proposal allows carbon credits from non-EU countries to count towards up to 3% of the overall 90% reduction compared to 1990 levels.

The German government requested such a mechanism before the introduction of the target.

The EU's climate goals are linked to the Paris Climate Agreement, adopted 10 years ago.

It aims to keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius./ REL