The European Union on Wednesday signaled it would aim for a 66.25 to 72.5 percent cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035 compared with 1990 levels, under the Paris Agreement, a statement of intent approved ahead of the U.N. climate summit in November, also referred to as COP30.
The statement, endorsed by all 27 member states, outlines the bloc’s post-2030 trajectory but does not serve as its official nationally determined contribution. Instead, it prepares the ground for the EU’s formal submission to the United Nations under the Paris Agreement.
On Track for 2030
The EU confirmed its binding target of at least 55 percent emissions cuts by 2030 and reiterated its goal of climate neutrality by 2050. Officials said the bloc is well on track to achieve the 2030 figure and will continue to pursue a science-based approach.
“The EU continues to stand united. We will speak with one clear voice at the United Nations,” Danish Climate Minister Lars Aagaard said.
Not Yet Binding
While the new indicative range signals ambition, it is not yet binding. The statement will not be entered in the U.N. registry or included in the synthesis report. Instead, it serves as a political marker for the bloc’s coming NDC, due ahead of COP30.
The Danish presidency of the Council and the European Commission will forward the statement to the U.N. climate body and its compliance committee.
Moreover, it will also inform the EU’s stance at the U.N. Secretary General’s Climate Summit in New York on Sept. 24, held alongside the General Assembly.
Long-Term Pathway
The indicative 2035 target is linked to both the EU’s existing 2030 and 2050 goals and a proposed 2040 target still under discussion.
In July, the Commission proposed an amendment to the EU Climate Law that would make the 2040 goal legally binding.
That proposal drew on the advice of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change, along with a detailed carbon budget assessment.
However, environment ministers reviewed the draft in September but did not reach an agreement. Therefore, leaders are expected to take up the issue again at the European Council meeting in October.
Background
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Paris Agreement, which requires parties to update or submit new NDCs every five years. NDCs outline each country’s efforts to reduce emissions and adapt to climate impacts.
The EU submits one NDC on behalf of all member states. In 2015, it filed its first intended NDC. In 2020, it updated the plan to include a 55 percent cut by 2030, later reinforced through the “Fit for 55” legislative package.
Additionally, officials stressed that the upcoming NDC will reflect progression, a requirement under the Paris Agreement. Consequently, the statement of intent is therefore a signal of continued ambition and the first step toward shaping a 2035 pathway consistent with climate neutrality.
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