Brussels, October 24, 2025 (PR) - At today’s European Council summit, EU Heads of State reached a long-awaited decision on “competitiveness and the twin transition”, taking a decisive hurdle on the bloc’s 2040 climate target ahead of COP30 in Belém. Following the EU Commission's proposal for a 90% reduction target, European Heads of State tasked the EU Commission to “develop the necessary enabling conditions to support European industry and citizens in achieving the 2040 intermediate target”. While Heads of State provided some additional guidance and included a revision clause, the decision marked a de facto green lighting for ministers to agree on the proposed 2040 target. However, the European Union has yet to agree its crucial climate target.
Summit discussions centered on outlining how Europe intends to strengthen its global market position while advancing its decarbonization agenda. Leaders debated how to reconcile industrial competitiveness, energy security, and the green transition.
This decision will shape not only the EU’s internal climate architecture but also paves the way to recover its credibility as a global climate leader, as the EU has already missed two UN deadlines to submit its enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement before COP30.
“Today the EU took a major hurdle for Europe’s energy independence, green competitiveness, and climate leadership. However, the EU still has to actually agree on its new climate target and must do so urgently. While leaders included the option for a review later on, de facto aligning with the EU Commission proposal for a 2040 climate target sends a long-awaited signal to citizens and businesses alike that Europe is serious about scaling renewables, boosting jobs, and securing prosperity in a decarbonized future. The next step is for EU ministers to translate this commitment into action by submitting an updated 2035 EU climate target ahead of COP30 in Belém in line with a 72% emissions-reduction goal. The clock is ticking. Europe has shown ambition today; now it must deliver.” Fanny Petitbon, France Team Lead, 350.org
