The definition of the European climate objective for 2040 ended in stalemate at the European Council on 23 October. The Commission’s proposal, which envisages a reduction in CO₂ emissions of up to 90% compared to 1990, was postponed to the summit of Environment Ministers on 4 November, just before COP30 in Brazil.
Leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the current path of the green transition, calling on the Commission to define “enabling conditions” for citizens and businesses. These measures include financing and support policies to reduce emissions without burdening the European economy, also including international credits.
Among the requests that emerged, the so-called “review clause” stands out, aimed at revising the 2040 objective in the future if economic or technological conditions prevent it from being respected. Some states, such as Poland, have also insisted on flexibility in accounting for CO₂ reductions, citing difficulties related to fires and the absorption capacity of forests. Furthermore, the Council expressed interest in reviewing the emissions standards for cars and vans, adapting the legislation to the needs of Member States.
Italy conditioned its approval on clear instruments, including international credits of up to 5%, flexibility in accounting for reductions and technological neutrality in EU legislation, especially for the automotive sector. The Government reiterated the need not to compromise the European economy and to avoid “green madness”.
The WWF criticized the use of international credits, deemed unreliable, and the Italian insistence on external instruments, speaking of a “lack of coherence”. The organization also denounces the risk of deregulation resulting from the regulatory simplification proposed by leaders, which could weaken fundamental environmental protections. According to Dante Caserta of WWF Italy, fully applying existing environmental laws would save the European economy around 180 billion euros a year.
Alex Mason, head of Climate and Energy at the WWF EU, underlined that the 90% objective remains the only figure on the table, but the share of emissions offset abroad risks reducing the real impact. “The atmosphere cannot be fooled by creative accounting,” said Mariagrazia Midulla of WWF Italy. She added that deforestation, more than natural phenomena, reduces the absorption of CO₂, and EU policies should focus on this problem.
The postponement of the target and the requests for flexibility show how fragile European climate governance is. The game reopens in November, with COP30 upon us, while citizens, businesses and the environment await concrete signals for an effective and credible green transition.
