EU Draft Proposes More Flexible 2040 Climate Target to Secure Deal

The European Union is reviewing a draft proposal that introduces flexibility into its planned legally binding target to cut net greenhouse-gas emissions by 90 % by 2040. In the draft, the bloc considers a mechanism to review the target every two years, potentially allowing adjustments if progress is slower than expected. One of the key changes is that if one sector under-performs — for instance forests absorbing fewer emissions or carbon-removal technologies developing slower — then other sectors would not be forced to make up the difference, insulating them from disproportionate burdens. The document also maintains that up to 3 % of the target can be met by purchasing foreign carbon credits, though some members are pushing for a higher share. The move comes amid divisions within the EU, with some member states concerned about balancing climate ambition with industrial competitiveness, energy costs and geopolitical pressures. The draft will be further negotiated by ambassadors and climate ministers ahead of the COP30 climate summit in early November.