EU’s Green Mandate: Parliament Pledges 90% Emissions Cut by 2040

The European Parliament has announced a provisional agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2040, using 1990 levels as the baseline, a target pitched as surpassing major economies and driving Europe towards climate neutrality by 2050.

To reach this goal, the accord requires European industries to reduce carbon emissions by 85 percent, with the remainder offset through carbon credits sold to developing nations, and it includes a buffer mechanism allowing up to 5 percent of additional international credits to ease the burden. It also postpones the introduction of fuel carbon taxes by one year, to 2028. Denmark’s climate minister, Lars Aagaard, said the target meets climate action demands while safeguarding competitiveness and security.

Current data cited in the piece indicate the EU has already reduced emissions by 37 percent compared with 1990, while the United States has cut emissions by around 7 percent in the same period, according to Statista. The agreement remains subject to formal approval by the European Parliament and individual member states before becoming law.