Press release

Ahead of the upcoming European Council (EUCO) and Environment Council (ENV), the Coalition for Higher Ambition is urging EU leaders to support a net domestic emissions reduction target of at least 90% by 2040 and to finally submit an ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).

Since the European Commission released its Communication on the 2040 climate target in February 2024, the impacts of the climate crisis have continued to escalate worldwide. More than one year on from this announcement, the necessary Climate Law amendment is yet to be seen, as is the now overdue EU NDC to be submitted under the Paris Agreement.

The Coalition for Higher Ambition, which includes Eurocities and is a broad alliance of businesses, local and regional authorities and civil society groups, is now calling on the EU and member states to fully meet its obligations in order to build on the European Green Deal in addressing the climate crisis.

The recent Clean Industrial Deal and the Competitiveness Compass announcements reaffirm the EU’s commitment to decarbonisation, recognising that climate ambition is a driver of economic competitiveness as well as of energy security.

Businesses, investors, and local and regional authorities are already leading the way in this regard, investing in clean industries, decarbonisation, and resilience measures. In this framework, a clear and ambitious 2040 climate target will provide increased certainty for businesses and financial markets, de-risk investments, and strengthen Europe’s economic leadership.

Minna Arve, Mayor of Turku and Eurocities Shadow Commissioner for Climate Resilience, states: “The Clean Industrial Deal sets the stage for Europe’s future, but without a binding 2040 climate target, the plan is incomplete. Cities need certainty to invest and deliver real climate action. We urge the Commission to act now. Without clear targets, we risk losing time we don’t have.”

In a letter to EU leaders, the Coalition calls for swift agreement on ambitious and science-aligned post-2030 targets to reflect:

• At least 90% net domestic emissions reduction by 2040 (compared to 1990 levels), in line with the recommendations of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC).
• An ambitious NDC that reflects the EU’s responsibility as a historic emitter, including a 2035 target no lower than at least 72.5% net domestic emissions reductions.

Ahead of COP30, the EU must reaffirm its global climate leadership through ambitious domestic policies and international collaboration. Failing to deliver a strong NDC after missing the UNFCCC deadline would undermine global progress and weaken Europe’s position as a credible partner in the just transition.

Louise Coffineau, Head of Advocacy, Eurocities, says: “Cities are already leading the way on decarbonisation on the ground, but they need clear direction and ambitious EU targets to ensure a just and competitive transition. Without a legally binding 2040 climate target, Europe risks stalling its industrial transformation and missing its 2050 commitments.”

ENDS//

Notes to the editor:

1. The letter and list of signatories can be read here.
2. The Coalition for Higher Ambition, convened by CAN Europe and including Eurocities, is a unique gathering of businesses, investor groups, local and regional authorities, trade unions and civil society groups, standing together to advocate for the EU to ramp up its climate action. Organisations joining the Coalition for Higher Ambition represent major stakeholders from across Europe and a cross section of the European economy, demonstrating the breadth and depth of the call for climate leadership. Read more here.
3. Whilst the broad coalition calls for at least 90% net emission reductions by 2040 (relative to 1990 levels), some members of the coalition, including CAN Europe, call for even higher levels of ambition (in CAN Europe’s case – 100% net emission reductions by 2040 at the latest).

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