EU Scrambles to Secure Ambitious Emissions Targets Ahead of COP30 in Belém
EU environment ministers will meet on Tuesday in a last-ditch effort to finalise critical emissions targets before COP30 in Belém, Brazil (Nov 10–21). The talks, expected to run late into the night, aim to deliver a legally binding 2035 Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) and to build support for a stronger interim 2040 goal on the path to carbon neutrality by 2050.
After China, the United States and India, the EU is the world's fourth-largest emitter, but among major polluters it has been one of the most committed to climate action — having already reduced emissions by 37% versus 1990. The European Commission has proposed an ambitious 90% cut by 2040 (vs 1990), a major step towards net-zero, but the proposal remains politically contested across member states.
Positions are divided: Spain, the Nordic countries and much of Germany broadly support stronger interim targets, while Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic and Italy cite industrial and economic risks and oppose the 2040 pace. France has adopted a cautious stance, seeking guarantees for its nuclear sector, additional funding for clean industries and flexibility if Europe's forests absorb less carbon than expected.
To broaden support, ministers are discussing a package of flexibilities for member states. These include allowing a limited share of emission reductions to be met with carbon credits financed outside Europe (the Commission suggested up to 3%, while some delegations, including France, press for 5%) and a possible two-year review clause in the 2040 climate law to reassess ambition as circumstances change.
“To come empty-handed to Belém would really undermine the EU's credibility,” an EU diplomat warned.
Environmental organisations have urged ministers not to undermine the proposals with excessive loopholes. Negotiators concede the compromise may be imperfect but argue it reflects political realities and could deliver meaningful progress.
In September EU states agreed a non-binding statement of intent to cut emissions by 66.25%–72.5% by 2035. To avoid a diplomatic embarrassment in Brazil, ministers are expected to formalise that range as the bloc's legally binding NDC ahead of COP30.
The EU stresses it remains committed to global climate leadership, having mobilised €31.7 billion (US$36.6 billion) in public climate finance in 2024, making it the world's largest public donor on climate finance.
Reported by adc/ec/cc
