The European Commission on Wednesday unveiled a proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by the year 2040, a major step toward achieving the European Union’s carbon neutrality goal by 2050.
The ambitious target, which has been delayed for months, marks a key milestone in the EU’s broader climate roadmap. However, it faces scrutiny from member states who must ultimately approve the plan.
To address concerns from more sceptical EU capitals, the Commission has proposed introducing a limited carbon offset mechanism. Starting in 2036, member states would be permitted to use carbon credits up to 3% of their emissions cuts by financing emissions-reduction projects outside the EU.
This added flexibility is intended to soften resistance from countries wary of the economic and political costs of steep domestic decarbonisation measures.
