New EU climate action goal
The EU agrees on a new goal in its fight against climate change. German Environment Minister Schneider: “The decision is good for the climate and the economy alike.”
Brüssel (dpa) – As part of its fight against climate change, the EU plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2040, compared to 1990. By 2030, emissions are to be brought down to 55 percent below the amount produced in 1990. The EU aims to be climate-neutral by 2050. This means that the amount of greenhouse gas emitted must not be greater than the amount that can be absorbed. The European Environment Agency (EEA) reports that the EU is currently largely on track for reaching the 2030 goal.
The German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider referred to the goal as “most likely the most important climate-policy decision of the legislative period. The decision is good for the climate and the economy alike.” He added that the German economy would be benefitting from the entire EU taking an even more united approach going forward.
The agreement reached with the European Parliament was the result of comprehensive debates among the different EU countries. The 2040 goal is based on a proposal presented by the European Commission in July that was slightly watered down.
Germany has been making good progress when it comes to climate action: almost 56 percent of electricity consumed in Germany in 2025 came from renewable sources, and this share was even greater than that recorded last year.
