EU climate target for 2040

Section:

Section for Agriculture, Rural Development and the Environment ( NAT)

Rapporteur:  Teppo SÄKKINEN (Employers's ,GR I / Filand)

Reference: (COM(2024) 63 final)

Legal basis: Article 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union

Mandatory-opinion

Context:

 

The EU Climate Law mandates a 2040 climate target proposal by mid-2024. The 2040 Climate target communication was published on February 6, 2024. A public consultation showed strong support for accelerating the climate transition. The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change recommended a 90-95% emissions reduction by 2040 and a 2030-2050 carbon budget of 11-14 Gt CO2 equivalents. The EESC will evaluate and provide an opinion on this communication.

 

Key points:

In the opinion, the EESC:

  1. Supports the 90% emissions reduction target by 2040, emphasizing the need for enabling policies to ensure European industry competitiveness, a just transition, and cost-effective use of zero and low carbon technologies. It stresses actual emissions reductions through phasing out fossil fuels, noting the risks of over-relying on carbon removals due to uncertainties.
  2. Calls for the European Commission to conduct scientific and economic assessments on balancing reductions and removals, focus on implementing the Fit for 55 legislation, and support businesses and households in adapting to new regulations. It highlights the need for unprecedented investment in decarbonization and tracking the growth of European cleantech exports.
  3. Advocates for carbon-free power generation by 2040, followed by heating and cooling, and proposes an emissions reduction target for the agri-food sector. It underscores the importance of stakeholder dialogue, citizen engagement, and expanding the competitiveness check against other major economies to strengthen Europe's global competitiveness and industrial base.

Date of the section meeting: 21 May 2024

Results of the section meeting vote:  54 votes in favour, 3 against and 2 abstention

Date of adoption at the EESC plenary session:  30  May  2024

Results of the plenary session vote: ? in favour, none against, three abstentions

Contacts:

Katerina Serifi

Press Officer

Tel.: +32 (0) 473 72 29 99

Email: aikaterini.serifi@eesc.europa.eu

Judit Garcia Carreras

Administrator

Tel.: +32 (0) 2 546 8421

email: Judit.CarrerasGarcia@eesc.europa.eu

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