EU countries divided over plans for tougher climate goal

European Union (EU) countries remain divided over the scale of emissions cuts they are prepared to deliver over the next decade, with some still hesitating to commit to bigger curbs.

The bloc has pledged to slash greenhouse gas emissions 40% against 1990 levels by 2030, but that target needs upgrading because scientists say far more rapid cuts are needed to stave off catastrophic climate change.

The Commission will propose a 2030 EU emissions cut of 50% or 55% in September, following an impact assessment, and needs to agree the target with member states and lawmakers.

In a two-day virtual meeting that ended on Tuesday, environment ministers from the bloc’s 27 countries failed to find common ground on whether the target should be raised at all.