Overview

• EU environment ministers in Brussels are expected to confirm the bloc will miss the end‑September UN window for submitting an updated 2035 climate plan.
• Denmark has proposed a statement of intent pledging a 66.3%–72.5% emissions cut by 2035, with a formal target still intended before COP30 in November.
• Agreement on a 90% emissions cut by 2040 remains out of reach, with Germany, France and Poland seeking leader-level discussion at an October summit.
• Climate groups and diplomats warn the delay undermines EU credibility as the UN General Assembly presses countries to table stronger nationally determined contributions.
• Competing economic and security priorities, along with moves by some governments to ease policies such as the 2035 car ban, have deepened splits despite the EU’s 2050 neutrality goal and a reported 37% cut since 1990.