Agenda highlights
European climate law
EU environment ministers will hold a policy debate on a proposal to amend the European climate law to establish a binding intermediate climate target for 2040.
The proposal introduces a target to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 90% by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. It also outlines key elements and conditions that the European Commission must reflect in its legislative proposals for the post-2030 policy framework to enable member states to achieve the 2040 target.
- Climate Change: what is the EU doing (background information)
- Proposal to amend the European climate law (European Commission)
EU nationally determined contribution to the UNFCCC
Ministers will also discuss the EU’s updated 2035 nationally determined contribution (NDC) to be submitted to the UNFCCC, the UN climate convention. NDCs are an integral part of the Paris Agreement, which requires each party to the convention to update their NDCs every five years. The next round of submissions is due ahead of COP30 (10–21 November 2025).
NDCs set out the efforts made by each country to reduce national emissions and adapt to the impacts of climate change. The EU submits an NDC on behalf of the EU and its member states.