EU ministers postpone vote on controversial 2040 climate emissions target

A decision on the European Union’s proposed 2040 climate emissions target has been delayed, with ministers now set to discuss it at an October summit instead of next week, EU officials said.

The Danish EU Presidency had planned for environment ministers to vote on 18 September, but member states indicated they were not ready to take a position on the controversial 2040 target.

The European Commission had proposed cutting CO2 emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, as an intermediary step toward EU climate neutrality by 2050. The 2040 target is intended to follow the EU’s 2030 goal of at least a 55% reduction in emissions.

EU officials were told that countries need more time to balance environmental ambitions with competitiveness and economic realities. One diplomat said the October summit aims to have a “decisive” discussion while avoiding a unanimity vote that could give disproportionate weight to the most hesitant member states.

The 2040 target will also influence national climate action plans under the Paris Agreement, which are expected to be presented at COP30 in Belém, Brazil in November (10 - 21 November).

Some countries have already voiced opposition. Slovakia and Hungary argue that a 90% emissions cut by 2040 could severely damage their industries. Slovakia’s Environment Minister Tomas Taraba criticised the proposal, calling it disconnected from economic realities. France has suggested that the decision should be taken by EU heads of state rather than ministers.

EU officials cautioned that while the October summit is expected to address the issue, no final decision is guaranteed.

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