The interim target is meant to serve as a steppingstone between the bloc’s 2050 climate neutrality goal and its 2030 emissions reduction target of 55 percent. As of 2022, the bloc’s emissions are 32.5 percent lower than in 1990.
“We are now launching a dialogue — let me stress that word, a dialogue — on the pathway toward 2040,” Hoekstra added.
Tuesday’s recommendation is not a legislative proposal, which will be in the hands of the next Commission following this summer’s EU election. The European Parliament and EU members also need to agree before any 2040 target can become enshrined in law.
The recommendation is based on an assessment of three different options: An 80 percent target, resembling a linear trajectory between the bloc’s 2030 and 2050 goals; an 85-90 percent reduction; and a 90-95 percent cut.
Last year, the European Scientific Advisory Council on Climate Change backed the latter option in its own assessment, saying reducing emissions by 90-95 percent would be “fair and feasible.” Several national governments have called on the Commission to come forward with an “ambitious” target.
