The proposed 2040 climate target for the EU

On 2 July 2025 the Commission published its proposal for the EU’s greenhouse gas emission target for the year 2040. This target and its implementation will determine the EU’s climate ambition for the next decades. We assess the proposal and compare it with the recommendations of both the previous Commission under President Von der Leyen as well as the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change. We also assess the provisions on international credits, natural and industrial carbon dioxide removals, flexibility between sectors and national targets.