Overview
- The compromise lets countries count up to 5% of the 2040 goal with international carbon credits and purchase an additional 5% to support national efforts.
- Ministers established a biennial review and an emergency brake linked to shortfalls in natural carbon removals.
- The extension of carbon pricing to transport and buildings (ETS2) was delayed by one year to 2028.
- The deal passed with 21 countries representing 81.9% of the EU population; Slovakia, Hungary and Poland voted against, while Belgium and Bulgaria abstained.
- Ministers also set a non‑binding 2035 reduction range of about 66.25%–72.5% for COP30, and the text now goes to the European Parliament.