The European Commission has made a proposal for new legislation to set down a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990, across the whole EU and across the entire economy.

The EU already has a target of net zero emissions by 2050 and a 55% emissions reduction target by 2030, both compared to 1990 levels.

The 90% target by 2040, if adopted through the EU's legislative proposal, will essentially be a target that bridges the gap between 2030 and 2050.

The proposal today (Wednesday, July 2) follows on from a recommendation from the previous commission in early 2024 that a formal target for 2040 would help the EU reach its target of climate neutrality by 2050.

That recommendation called for the next commission (i.e. the current commission) to put forward a legislative proposal to set down the target. The legislative proposal has now been made.

The new legislative proposal does not outline any particular changes or measures for the agriculture sector, nor for any other sector; however, the commission said that new measures and "flexibilities" could allow member states the possibility to compensate for the "struggling land use sector" with an overachievement on reducing waste and transport emissions.

The commission said today's proposal builds on the EU's existing legally binding goal of reducing net GHG emissions by at least 55% by 2030.

The commission also said its proposal "fully takes into account the current economic, security and geopolitical landscape".

According to the EU's executive body, the proposal is based on an in-depth impact assessment, and advice from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change.

It also follows "substantial" engagement with member states and the European Parliament, as well as economic stakeholders.

The "flexibilities" put forward in the proposal include a limited role for "high-quality" international carbon credits starting from 2036; the use of permanent carbon removals (sequestering carbon and storing it long-term in the environment) as part of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS); and greater flexibility across sectors to help achieve targets in a "cost-effective and socially fair way".

The proposal also cites the need for a "fair transition that leaves no-one behind", and a "level playing field with our international partners".

The commission said that the proposals on the EU's next long term budget - the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) - which are expected to be published this month, will "also set out how the future EU budget will support the clean transition".

The commission's proposal setting a 2040 climate target will now be submitted to the European Parliament and the Council of the EU for debate and possible amendment before being adopted.