EU relaxes climate targets shortly before climate conference: What does that mean for us?

EU relaxes climate targets shortly before climate conference: What does that mean for us?

There is a buzz in the European capitals, and in just a few days the world climate conference in Brazil is just around the corner. Reported on November 3, 2025 Press Augsburg, that the EU plans to relax its climate target for 2040. Although the official goal remains a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990, taking into account international credits should enable mitigation. Large EU states such as France, Italy and Poland are pushing to expand this option by five percentage points, which would reduce the necessary emissions reduction to 85%. Germany could consider joining this initiative.

The discussion about compliance with climate goals takes place against the background of profound resistance. Around the EU summit and the meeting of environment ministers this week, as reported by daily news mentioned, there are some critical voices in the states. Resistance comes primarily from Poland, Hungary and the southern EU countries. Chancellor Friedrich Merz is calling for fundamental changes in climate policy and is committed to innovation and competition while sticking to climate goals by 2045. The status quo is viewed by critics as inadequate, especially in comparison to the binding goals that the USA and China have already announced.

Unity or disunity?

The EU has so far failed to set a binding target for 2035. This uncertainty raises questions about Europe's role in global climate protection. Critics such as SPD European MP Delara Burkhardt warn that the EU's credibility is at stake. According to a report by the European Greens, the EU could even face legal consequences if emissions targets remain below the 90% mark.

Ahead of the conference, the EU made it clear that it wanted to travel to Brazil with a modified destination. The uncertainty about emissions targets has also led to the withdrawal of important emerging countries such as India and South Africa, which no longer want to take part in the negotiations. This makes the situation even more complex, especially given the ongoing debate about European emissions trading and possible CO2 pricing in the transport sector.

A look into the future

The climate goals pursued by the EU are not only important for European politics, but also a basis for the commitments of the member states in the United Nations. The decisive factor will also be whether and how the target of 72.5% emissions reduction for 2035 can be achieved. Time is ticking and the discussions are far from over. Where the journey takes remains exciting, while the EU is due to make a decision on Tuesday and set the course for the next few years. Europe must show that it has a good hand for climate protection – not just when it comes to talking, but also when it comes to acting.