Archive · 16 Sep 2025
EU Set to Miss Climate Target Deadline, Draft Shows
The EU is having trouble agreeing on how much they should cut their pollution by 2035.
They were supposed to tell the United Nations their plan this month, but they won't be able to.
Instead, they will tell the U.N. what they plan to do, which is to cut pollution by about 66.3% to 72.5% by 2035.
The EU is working on a plan for 2040, which is making it difficult to set the 2035 goal.
Some countries want to be more ambitious in cutting emissions, while others want to be less ambitious.
This delay may cause the EU to lag behind other countries in climate action.
The EU is set to miss a U.N. deadline for a new climate target.
The EU is considering submitting a "statement of intent" to the U.N.
The proposed emissions reduction is between 66.3% and 72.5% by 2035 (from 1990 levels).
EU countries are still negotiating their climate goal for 2040.
The EU aims to avoid being empty-handed at the U.N. General Assembly.
- Who
- The European Union
- What
- Is expected to miss a deadline to set a new climate target for 2035.
- When
- This month (for the deadline).
- Where
- The U.N. and European Union.
- Why
- EU countries are struggling to agree on the new climate target.
More Ambitious
Less Ambitious
Emissions Reduction Target
More Ambitious
Some countries (Spain, Denmark) want a more ambitious emissions reduction goal.
Less Ambitious
Countries including Poland, want a less ambitious target.
- Event
- EU Climate Target
- Deadline
- This Month
- Target Range (2035)
- 66.3% - 72.5% emissions reduction (from 1990 levels)
- 2040 Goal
- Currently under negotiation by EU countries
- Initiative
- EU's Submission of Intent to U.N.
- Next Meeting
- EU ambassadors meeting on Tuesday