Berlin, Germany – The German government’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2045 remains unchanged, despite a recent statement by Economy Minister Katherina Reiche that sparked concerns about a potential delay.
According to a government spokesperson, Reiche’s comments at the “Industry Day” event of the German Federation of Industries (BDI) were intended to emphasize the ambitious nature of the 2045 target for the economy, rather than signaling a change in the government’s stance. The minister’s words were misinterpreted, the spokesperson clarified, adding that the coalition agreement remains in effect.
Reiche’s initial statement, which questioned whether the previous government had fully considered the costs and feasibility of achieving climate neutrality by 2045, was seen as a potential deviation from the government’s original goal. The minister did, however, express a desire to harmonize Germany’s target with the European Union’s aim of achieving climate neutrality by 2050, stating that a more realistic approach would involve determining what is feasible in a given timeframe at a certain cost.
The government’s stance on climate goals has not been altered, with a spokesperson for the government emphasizing that the government’s position on climate protection is clear and unchanged. The topic of climate neutrality was not discussed during the cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, the spokesperson added, dismissing speculation about a potential delay in the government’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2045.