The German government has reached a consensus on a unified position regarding the EU’s climate target for 2040. A spokesperson for the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Consumer Protection and Nuclear Safety, led by the Social Democratic Party (SPD), informed the Handelsblatt that Germany will support a proposal put forth by the European Commission and the Danish Presidency aiming for a 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Earlier in July, the European Commission presented an ambitious new climate goal to EU member states, setting a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent compared to 1990 levels by 2040. The Ministry for the Environment, under the leadership of Carsten Schneider (SPD), had been advocating for the adoption of this goal during an extraordinary meeting of the EU Environment Council scheduled for next Thursday.
Last week, the Ministry confirmed its support for the Danish Presidency’s approach, aiming to finalize the EU climate target for 2040 at a special Environment Council meeting in Brussels on September 18, 2025. The Ministry spokesperson further stated that the precise process for achieving this target would now be determined by the Danish Presidency and the Council President. The informal European Council meeting on October 1st presents an opportunity for political discussion regarding current climate policy. Nevertheless, it remains clear that the ultimate decision on the new climate target will rest with the Environment Ministers Council and the European Parliament.