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New, Interim and Binding Climate Target for the EU to Reduce Emissions

Published February 10, 2026, 17:34

The European Parliament has approved a new, interim and binding climate commitment for 2040, aiming to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% compared to 1990 levels. The revised legislation provides flexibility for Member States, allowing the use of international carbon credit units from partner countries, subject to certain conditions and with safeguards to protect EU interests. The new legislation allows the use of carbon from international, high-quality credits originating from partner countries with compatible climate goals, although it is limited to sectors not covered by the EU Emissions Trading System. In addition, it allows the use of domestic permanent carbon sinks to offset emissions. The start of operation of ETS2, which covers emissions from buildings and transport, is postponed by one year, to 2028. The legislation also provides increased flexibility for Member States in their efforts to achieve climate targets, combining climate action with improved competitiveness. The European Commission will assess progress towards achieving the goal every two years, taking into account scientific data, technological developments and the state of the economy. Following this assessment, the Commission may propose amendments to the legislation or take additional measures to achieve the goals.