The European Commission has now presented a recommendation on a common EU climate target for the year 2040. The Commission recommends a target of a 90 percent reduction in net emissions by the year 2040, compared to the year 1990. A formal legislative proposal is expected to come when a new commission has taken office after the European Parliament elections later this year.
The EU has a long-term goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050 at the latest, and a goal by 2030 of reducing net emissions by at least 55 percent compared to 1990. The Commission’s announcement today begins a process aimed at the EU adopting a new climate goal also for in 2040. Such a goal will also constitute the EU’s new commitment under the Paris Agreement.
The Commission recommends that the EU should reduce net emissions by 90 percent until the year 2040, compared to the year 1990. The announcement is followed by an impact analysis, which explains, among other things, how different sectors can contribute to achieving the proposed climate goal.
– I welcome that the EU Commission is now starting the process that will lead to us adopting a joint 2040 goal for the climate. It is a very gratifying development that the EU is at the forefront of a more ambitious climate policy. It will put pressure on the rest of the world to follow suit. When EU countries cooperate, it has a major impact on the world’s total emissions, says Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari.
– Sweden has long pushed for an ambitious common line on climate issues to create the conditions for increased competitiveness, and that has made a difference. We will now analyze the recommendation from the commission and begin the work of designing a Swedish negotiating position. I look forward to participating in the discussions and negotiations on the new climate goal, says Romina Pourmokhtari.
The Commission has also presented a proposal that will contribute to increased clarity and predictability for the development of new technology to capture carbon dioxide, which can then be stored or used in other processes, so-called CCUS technology.
– Sweden is far ahead in technology development when it comes to CCUS. I welcome that the Commission has presented a proposal that will contribute to increased predictability and clarity at EU level. CCUS technology is absolutely crucial for us to meet our climate goals and reach all the way to net zero emissions, says Romina Pourmokhtari.