the European Commission proposes to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040

The Commission emphasizes that “agriculture can play a vital role in this transition”, without specifying concrete measures.

The European Union Green Deal, initiated in 2021, set a target of reducing EU greenhouse gas emissions by 55% by 2030. The European Commission proposed, on Tuesday February 6, to aim for a net reduction of 90% in emissions by 2040 compared to 1990. This is a key step towards achieving carbon neutrality in 2050.

“Climate action requires planning now (…) It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and we need to make sure everyone crosses the finish line”declared Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra in front of the European Parliament.

The next Commission, which will be formed following the European elections in June, will have the difficult task of submitting a formal legislative proposal to the States and to the renewed European Parliament.

Brussels wants a “fair” transition

Faced with resistance to ecological regulations, Brussels wants a “fair transition” And “guaranteeing the competitiveness of the industry” and advocates “an open dialogue with all stakeholders”. The Commission plans in particular an “Industrial Green Deal”, with regulations, supply chains and adequate financing, and above all access to sufficient and affordable carbon-free energy with the continued growth of renewables, hydrogen networks, but also civil atom via future small modular reactors.

According to Brussels, the investments required over the period 2031-2050 could reach, annually, 660 billion euros in energy and 870 billion in transport: a colossal cost, combining public investments and private funds, but to be compared to the “cost of inaction” in the face of climate damage.

After weeks of farmers’ protests in Europe, the Commission underlines in a press release that “agriculture can play a vital role in this transition”without specifying concrete measures.