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Germany Delays Climate Protection Program to March 2026

The environment ministry says the absence of an expected EU warning this year removes the need for a 2025 cabinet decision.

Overview

  • State Secretary Jochen Flasbarth said the government will submit the new climate protection program by March 2026 in line with the Climate Protection Act.
  • Officials cited the EU climate compliance picture, noting no warning letter from the European Commission is anticipated this year.
  • By law, a new federal government must present the program within twelve months of the Bundestag’s March 25 constitutive session, setting the deadline at the end of March 2026.
  • The ministry says it will use the extra time to craft a comprehensive, science‑based plan with contributions from all ministries, with transport and buildings identified as lagging sectors.
  • Germany targets a 65% emissions cut from 1990 levels by 2030 and climate neutrality by 2045, yet experts warn the 2030 goal is likely to be missed despite roughly a 50% reduction since 1990.