EU seeks last-minute climate pledge ahead of COP30 - Assalamu Alaikum
Assalamu Alaikum. EU climate ministers are making a final push to agree a new climate target on Tuesday so they don’t arrive at the UN COP30 summit in Brazil without a commitment. If they fail to reach a deal, it could weaken the EU’s position as a leader at the talks, which will challenge major economies to continue climate action despite political pushback from leaders like US President Donald Trump. Countries such as China, the UK and Australia have already announced new targets ahead of COP30. The EU, known for some of the world’s more ambitious CO2 reduction policies, has faced resistance from industries and some national governments that say they can’t afford strict measures while also prioritizing defense and industrial needs. EU members were unable to agree on a 2040 climate target in September, so they’re rushing to find common ground before European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen meets other leaders in Belem, Brazil, on November 6. “The geopolitical landscape has rarely been more complex,” EU climate chief Wopke Hoekstra said at a recent ministers’ meeting in Canada, while expressing confidence the bloc could approve a new goal. He added that the EU will continue to uphold its commitment to multilateralism and the Paris Agreement. The Commission’s starting proposal is to cut net EU greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent from 1990 levels by 2040, to keep the bloc on track for net-zero by 2050. Countries including Italy, Poland and the Czech Republic say that level is too tough for domestic industries dealing with high energy costs, cheaper Chinese imports and US tariffs. Others, such as the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden, point to worsening extreme weather and the need to catch up with China in green technology manufacturing as reasons to be more ambitious. A draft compromise being discussed includes a French-requested clause that would allow the 2040 goal to be eased later if it becomes clear EU forests aren’t absorbing enough CO2. Brussels is also proposing other adjustments to win broader support, like price controls in the upcoming carbon market and possibly loosening the 2035 combustion engine ban at Germany’s request. Reaching a deal will mean ministers must agree how much of the 90 percent cut can be met by buying foreign carbon credits - a move that would reduce pressure on domestic industries. France supports allowing credits to cover 5 percent, higher than the Commission’s original 3 percent suggestion, while some argue funds would be better used to back European industry directly. Approval requires support from at least 15 of the EU’s 27 member states; diplomats say the vote could be very close and hinge on one or two changing positions. Ministers aim first to settle the 2040 target, then derive a 2035 emissions pledge to submit before COP30 - which is what the UN requested.
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