BRUSSELS – The European Union has postponed its planned vote on the controversial 2040 climate emissions target, a move that signals deep divisions among member states over the economic implications of ambitious climate goals. Initially set for a vote by environment ministers, the decision has been pushed back to the EU heads of state summit in October, as several countries requested more time to review the proposal.
Concerns Over Competitiveness and Carbon Credits
The proposed target, a 90% emissions reduction by 2040 from 1990 levels, is a key component of the EU’s Climate Law. However, it is facing opposition from states like Slovakia and Hungary, which have expressed concerns about the impact on industrial competitiveness. Slovakia’s Environment Minister, Tomas Taraba, called the proposal “out of touch with economic reality.”
The delay also stems from ongoing disagreements over the role of carbon credits, which are part of the new target. Some EU diplomats are pushing to ensure these credits do not undermine the existing Emissions Trading System, while others, like Austrian MEP Lena Schilling, have voiced concerns that relying on international credits could come at a significant cost to taxpayers and weaken the EU’s environmental commitments.
A Tense October Summit Awaits
The postponement indicates that a firm decision is unlikely to emerge from the October summit, as unanimity may be rejected. While the EU aims for a “decisive” discussion, the growing debate highlights a core tension within the bloc: balancing its role as a global climate leader with the economic realities faced by its individual member nations. This struggle to find common ground comes as Europe continues to face the direct impacts of climate change, such as increasingly frequent and severe wildfires.