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EU Adopts New Climate Targets. Norway Aligns Closely with EU Policy
Greenhouse gas emissions are to be reduced by 90% by 2040. Fot. stock.adobe.com/licencja standardowa
Environment ministers have reached an agreement on new climate targets. By 2040, greenhouse gas emissions in the European Union are to be reduced by 90% compared to 1990 levels.
The agreed targets are not yet final—they require approval by the European Parliament. At the same time, the EU has announced it will present its plans for 2035, which assume an emissions reduction of between 66.25% and 72.5% compared to 1990 levels.
The final figures are to be announced at the COP30 summit in November. This action is a response to a UN appeal, which asked all countries to update their climate plans ahead of the meeting in Brazil.
The final figures are to be announced at the COP30 summit in November. This action is a response to a UN appeal, which asked all countries to update their climate plans ahead of the meeting in Brazil.
Tough Negotiations in Brussels. Dispute Over Costs and Industry
The European Commission had already proposed a 90% emissions reduction in the summer, but this was met with resistance from some countries, including Italy, France, Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. Meanwhile, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Spain supported more ambitious climate action. The main point of contention was the cost of the transition and the impact of new regulations on industry, energy, and the defense sector.
Norway is not a member of the European Union, but it must implement most European regulations.Photo: Fotolia
Norway and the EU's Climate Targets
Although Norway is not a member of the European Union, it remains closely linked to EU climate policy through the European Economic Area (EEA). Oslo has been cooperating with Brussels for years on emissions reduction and CO₂ trading.
Norway has adopted a similar reduction target—cutting emissions by at least 55% by 2030—and runs its own support system for green technologies. It also plays an important role as a supplier of renewable energy, especially in the hydropower sector. Norway's cooperation with the EU is strategically important for achieving common climate goals in Europe.
Norwegian investments in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and the development of green hydrogen are seen in Brussels as a significant contribution to achieving EU ambitions. Norway is also participating in preparations for COP30, where it will present an update of its national climate plan.
Norway has adopted a similar reduction target—cutting emissions by at least 55% by 2030—and runs its own support system for green technologies. It also plays an important role as a supplier of renewable energy, especially in the hydropower sector. Norway's cooperation with the EU is strategically important for achieving common climate goals in Europe.
Norwegian investments in carbon capture and storage (CCS) and the development of green hydrogen are seen in Brussels as a significant contribution to achieving EU ambitions. Norway is also participating in preparations for COP30, where it will present an update of its national climate plan.
In the photo: production facility in Pasvikelva (2021).Photo: Paul Eric Aspholm/NIBIO
Possibility to Purchase Climate Emission Quotas
According to the agreement reached, member states will be able to cover up to 5% of their reductions by purchasing foreign emission quotas. In practice, this means that European industry will have to reduce emissions by 85%.
Wopke Hoekstra, EU Commissioner for Climate Action, emphasized that the Union must combine environmental protection efforts with maintaining economic competitiveness. He added that the balance between ecology, industry, and energy independence will be crucial in the coming years.
Wopke Hoekstra, EU Commissioner for Climate Action, emphasized that the Union must combine environmental protection efforts with maintaining economic competitiveness. He added that the balance between ecology, industry, and energy independence will be crucial in the coming years.
UN Report: World Still Far from Paris Agreement Targets
The latest report from the UN Environment Programme indicates that the world remains far from meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. Even if all countries fulfill their current commitments, global warming could exceed 2 degrees Celsius.
In light of these forecasts, the new EU targets are intended as a clear signal to the international community ahead of COP30 that the EU intends to stay on course for climate neutrality despite growing economic and political challenges.
In light of these forecasts, the new EU targets are intended as a clear signal to the international community ahead of COP30 that the EU intends to stay on course for climate neutrality despite growing economic and political challenges.
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