European lawmakers and EU member states agreed on Wednesday to adopt a target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions in the EU by "at least 55 percent" by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, as announced by the Commission and European lawmakers. This agreement was the result of tough negotiations among the 27 member states, which had previously agreed to a 55 percent reduction in November, contrasted by the European Parliament’s call for at least a 60 percent cut.
This agreement comes ahead of a major international climate summit called by U.S. President Joe Biden. The EU target will be officially included in a "Climate Law" that is currently being prepared, just before the climate summit where Washington is expected to announce its adjusted target for 2030.
Frans Timmermans, the European Commission Vice-President responsible for the "Green Deal," welcomed the announcement, stating, "This is a historic moment for the EU," and emphasized that "the agreement strengthens our position in the world as a leader in combating the climate crisis," according to a statement. Additionally, Portuguese Environment Minister João Pedro Matos Fernandes, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the EU, praised the step as a "strong signal to the entire world."
Negotiations between the member states and European Parliament members, which had been stalled for months, resumed early Tuesday afternoon and lasted until 5 AM on Wednesday, totaling 14 hours of negotiations.
