Environment Council, 18 September 2025

Main results

2040 climate target

EU environment ministers held a policy debate on the proposed amendment to the European climate law, which sets a binding net greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target of 90% by 2040 compared with 1990 levels. This represents an intermediate step towards achieving climate neutrality by 2050.

The purpose of the debate was to review the progress of the negotiations on the amendment and provide further guidance on the way forward.

In addition to setting the 2040 target, the proposal outlines key elements, such as new flexibilities that the European Commission should reflect in its proposals on the post-2030 policy framework to enable member states to achieve the 2040 goal.

To guide the discussions, the Danish presidency prepared a progress report on the state of play of the ongoing discussions on the proposed amendment to the climate law. The report highlighted substantial progress on clarifying the proposed flexibilities and amendments to the Commission's text, for example to better account for national circumstances and address concerns related to the competitiveness of European industries and the risk of carbon leakage. The presidency also proposed strengthening the existing review clause of the European climate law.

Having taken note of the report, ministers engaged in a constructive debate where they assessed the progress made so far and gave further guidance for the work ahead. They reaffirmed the importance of setting an intermediate 2040 target on the path towards climate neutrality. Ministers also acknowledged the progress made so far and expressed their views on different outstanding issues, such as the future role of international carbon credits and natural carbon sinks in the context of the proposed 2040 target. They also highlighted the importance of a robust enabling framework to support the transition towards climate neutrality.

• Watch the public session
• Progress report by the Danish presidency
• Proposal to amend the European climate law (European Commission)
• European climate law
• Climate Change: what is the EU doing (background information)
• Fit for 55 (background information)

Statement of intent in view of NDC submission

Ministers also approved a statement of intent on the EU’s post-2030 nationally determined contribution (NDC). The statement outlines the EU's intention to submit an NDC ahead of COP30 with an indicative 2035 target in a range between 66.25% and 72.5% in emissions reduction, based on the existing EU climate legislation and targets and the proposed 2040 target currently under negotiation. 

The statement of intent will be communicated to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) but does not represent the EU’s official NDC. The statement communicates that the EU fully confirms its commitment to the Paris Agreement and its goals, and aims to submit an updated NDC ahead of COP30 (10-21 November 2025).

• EU statement of intent in view of the EU submission of an NDC to the UNFCCC
• Paris Agreement: EU submits statement of intent to the UNFCCC on the post-2030 NDC (press release, 18 September 2025)
• Paris Agreement on climate change (background information)
• Global climate action (background information)
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) (UNFCCC website)

Other items (A items)

The Council today approved the EU’s position for upcoming negotiations with Moldova to increase market access for some agricultural exports not yet liberalised.

• Moldova: EU takes steps towards the elimination of customs duties for seven agricultural products (press release, 18 September 2025)

The Council also adopted decision authorising the opening of negotiations with the UK and with Canada on their participation in the €150 billion SAFE defence loan instrument.

• Defence investment: Council authorises negotiations with UK and Canada on their participation in SAFE (press release, 18 September 2025)

The Council also adopted amendments to existing regulations to better address current and emerging strategic challenges linked to the economic, social and territorial cohesion, in the context of the mid-term review of the EU’s cohesion policy.

• Cohesion policy mid-term review: Council adopts new laws to better address current and emerging challenges (press release, 18 September 2025)