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EU Parliament Environment Panel Backs 90% Net Emissions Cut by 2040 Ahead of Plenary Vote

MEPs backed flexibilities with biennial reviews to balance ambition with competitiveness ahead of talks with member states.

European Union flags flutter outside the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium July 16, 2025. REUTERS/Yves Herman//File Photo

Overview

  • The European Parliament’s environment committee adopted its position to set a binding 2040 target of a 90% net greenhouse‑gas reduction versus 1990 levels, passing by 55 votes to 32.
  • From 2036, up to 5% of the target could be met with high‑quality international carbon credits, above the Commission’s 3% proposal and subject to safeguards.
  • MEPs support allowing domestic permanent carbon removals to compensate hard‑to‑abate emissions within the EU ETS and endorse postponing the start of ETS2 to 2028.
  • The committee calls for a Commission review every two years that can propose amendments to the climate law, assessing science, technology, competitiveness, and energy price impacts on households and businesses.
  • A plenary vote is scheduled for 13 November, after which negotiations with EU governments can begin; EU environment ministers agreed their position on 5 November and renewable industry groups welcomed the direction.