The Coalition for Higher Ambition, a broad alliance of businesses, local and regional authorities, and civil society groups, is urging European Union leaders to adopt a net domestic emissions reduction target of at least 90% by 2040. The group is also calling for an ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to be submitted ahead of the upcoming European Council (EUCO) and Environment Council (ENV) meetings.
The call comes after the European Commission’s release of its 2040 climate target communication in February 2024, which was expected to lead to significant legislative action. However, more than a year later, the necessary amendment to the EU Climate Law has not yet been presented, and the EU’s NDC, due under the Paris Agreement, remains overdue.
The Coalition for Higher Ambition has emphasized the urgency of meeting these obligations to build on the European Green Deal and strengthen the EU’s response to the climate crisis. “The impacts of the climate crisis continue to escalate worldwide, and it is critical that the EU leads the way with strong, science-based targets,” the coalition stated in a recent release.
The group pointed to recent announcements such as the Clean Industrial Deal and the Competitiveness Compass, which reaffirm the EU’s commitment to decarbonisation. These initiatives underscore the recognition that climate ambition can drive both economic competitiveness and energy security. Many businesses and local authorities are already investing heavily in clean industries and resilience measures, the coalition noted.
“A clear and ambitious 2040 climate target will provide increased certainty for businesses and financial markets, de-risk investments, and strengthen Europe’s economic leadership,” the Coalition for Higher Ambition stated.
Chiara Martinelli, Director at CAN Europe, a member of the coalition, stressed the importance of decisive action. “The broad coalition calling for a science-based target speaks volumes. Europe has a choice: act decisively now and harness the opportunities of the green transition, or risk falling behind,” Martinelli said.
Martinelli also emphasized the broader societal benefits of an ambitious emissions reduction target. “An ambitious 2040 emissions reduction target will ensure the co-benefits of job creation, economic growth, social protections, public health improvements, and energy security well before 2040,” she added.
The coalition has called on EU leaders to swiftly agree on post-2030 targets that align with scientific recommendations. Specifically, the group advocates for a target of at least 90% net domestic emissions reduction by 2040, compared to 1990 levels, and an NDC that includes a 2035 target of no less than 72.5% net domestic emissions reduction.
Looking ahead to the upcoming COP30 summit, the coalition warned that the EU must demonstrate continued climate leadership through both robust domestic policies and international collaboration. “Failing to deliver a strong NDC after missing the UNFCCC deadline would undermine global progress and weaken Europe’s position as a credible partner in the just transition,” the coalition concluded.
