EC publishes plan to reduce GHG emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990

Green Forum
The European Commission published a detailed impact assessment on possible ways to achieve the agreed goal of making the European Union climate neutral by 2050 and, based on this impact assessment, recommended a 90% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels.

Based on this impact assessment, the Commission recommends a net reduction of 90% in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, initiating a discussion with all stakeholders. Following the 

European elections, the next Commission will propose legislation, which will be agreed upon with the European Parliament and member states, as provided for in the European Climate Law. This recommendation is in line with the advisory opinion of the European Scientific Advisory Council on Climate Change (ESAC) and with the commitments made by the EU under the Paris Agreement.

Today's communication also sets forth a series of favorable policy conditions necessary for achieving the 90% target. These include the full implementation of the agreed framework for 2030, ensuring the competitiveness of European industry, a greater focus on a just transition that leaves no one behind, fair competition conditions with international partners, and a strategic dialogue on the post-2030 framework, including with industry and the agricultural sector. 

The outcome of COP28 in Dubai shows that the rest of the world is heading in the same direction. The EU has been a trailblazer in international climate actions and should stay on the right track, creating opportunities for the European industry to thrive in new global markets for clean technologies.

RECOMMENDED
RECOMMENDED FROM THE HOME PAGE
Sustainability moves from ambition to action
Real estate

Sustainability moves from ambition to action

Conducted in autumn 2025, the RICS Sustainable Real Estate Survey Europe gathered 112 responses from valuers, developers, investors and other professionals across 30 countries. The findings confirm that ESG has moved from a peripheral concern to a core driver of real estate value, risk and decision-making across Europe.

Finance

ProCredit Bank Romania launches CO2 calculator for SMEs

ProCredit Bank Romania has launched a CO2 Emissions Calculator to help microenterprises and small and medium-sized enterprises quantify and understand their carbon footprint. This initiative reflects the Procredit Group's commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with client engagement at the core of its Climate Action Strategy.

Energy

DSV boosts energy self-sufficiency with solar power

DSV – Global Transport and Logistics, the world's largest logistics operator, has launched a solar installation at its warehouse in Łozienica, Poland, in partnership with commercial real estate investor Accolade. The installation will meet the energy needs of Poland's first multi-client warehouse equipped with an AutoStore system.

Energy

Etem Gestamp signs cross-border wind power deal with Rezolv

Etem Gestamp, the Sofia-based joint venture between Viohalco Group and Spain's Gestamp Group focused on aluminium extrusion and processing for the automotive industry, and Rezolv Energy, the Actis-backed independent power producer, have signed a 10-year virtual power purchase agreement (VPPA) in Bulgaria. The VPPA will see Etem Gestamp buy electricity from Rezolv Energy's 461MW 'Vifor' wind farm, which is about to come onstream in Buzău County, Romania. It is the first cross-border wind PPA that has been publicly announced in Bulgaria.

READ MORE
Green Forum  |  24 April, 2026 at 11:04 AM
Green Forum  |  14 April, 2026 at 8:46 AM