EU aims to reduce emissions by 90 percent by 2040

14.11.2025

Source: E & M powernews

The European Parliament has spoken out in favor of a 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. The VKU calls for realism and welcomes a review clause.

The European Parliament in Brussels adopted its position on the EU climate target for 2040 on November 13. A majority of MEPs voted in favor of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. In doing so, the Parliament is largely in line with the Member States, which also agreed to a corresponding target at the beginning of November after lengthy negotiations.

The resolution stipulates that the European Union can cover up to five percentage points of the emissions reduction from 2036 with climate certificates from third countries. An earlier proposal by the European Commission had only mentioned three percentage points.

ETS II only from 2028

In addition, fuels such as natural gas and motor fuels are not to be included in the trading system for greenhouse gas certificates (ETS II) until 2028. Originally, the start was planned for 2027. The buildings and transport sectors are particularly affected. With the postponement, MEPs want to prevent strong price fluctuations in heating and refueling.

Parliament is also calling for the Commission to review the progress made in implementing the climate targets every two years in future. In addition to the latest scientific findings, technological developments and the competitiveness of the European economy should also be taken into account.

German energy industry warns of excessive demands

The German Association of Local Utilities (VKU) supports the aims of the Climate Act in principle, but warns against over-ambitious assumptions. VKU Managing Director Ingbert Liebing explained that climate protection is a common goal, but that the 90 percent target by 2040 is based on "very optimistic assumptions".

Technologies such as hydrogen, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and the necessary grid expansion are not yet available to a sufficient extent. "We must not overburden people and companies," said Liebing.

The VKU was positive about the inclusion of the review clause in the legislative package. It allows adjustments to be made if technological or economic conditions develop differently than expected. Liebing described the clause as an "important safety net" and as "sensible and necessary".

Fears of national unilateral action

However, the association is critical of the postponement of the start of ETS II to 2028, saying that revenue from carbon pricing is crucial for investments and social relief. "If we postpone the start of ETS II, the risk of additional national solo efforts increases. This will make climate protection more expensive and more complicated," said Liebing. He concluded by emphasizing that the focus must now be on implementing the 2030 targets. Only if these were achieved could the path to the 2040 target be realistically shaped.

The vote in plenary will be followed by the so-called trilogue, in which Parliament, Council and Commission negotiate a joint legislative text. Observers expect the negotiations to be swift, as the positions of the Member States and Parliament are very close on key points.

Author: Susanne Harmsen