90% Emission Cut Target for 2040

The European Parliament adopted a resolution on 10 February 2026 to set a new EU climate target: a 90 % net reduction in greenhouse‑gas emissions by 2040 compared with 1990 levels. This target is added to the existing 2050 climate‑neutrality goal and the 2030 target.

The Parliament says the Commission must keep the 2040 target in EU law and review other EU rules after 2030 to make sure the target can be reached. The review will consider:

• International carbon credits that can cover up to 5 % of 1990 emissions, starting in 2036, with a pilot period from 2031 to 2035.
• Domestic permanent carbon‑removal projects (e.g., forest and soil projects) that can be counted in the EU emissions‑trading system.
• Flexibility between sectors and instruments to help meet the target cost‑effectively.
• Support for industry, small and medium‑sized enterprises, vulnerable households, and regions that may be hit hardest by the transition.
• Energy security, affordability, and the use of renewable, low‑carbon, and zero‑carbon fuels.

The regulation also postpones the start of emissions trading for buildings, road transport and other sectors until 2028, giving more time for preparation.

The Parliament asked the Commission to bring the proposal back if it changes it significantly, and instructed its President to forward the position to the Council and national parliaments.

The amended Regulation (EU) 2021/1119 will enter into force 20 days after it is published in the Official Journal and will apply directly in all EU member states.