EU agrees ambitious NDC and legally binding 2040 climate target

The Commission welcomes Member States’ agreement on an ambitious new EU NDC under the Paris Agreement.

• Main announcement: The EU NDC will reduce net GHG emissions by 66.25–72.5% below 1990 levels by 2035, covers all sectors and all GHGs, and will be submitted to the UNFCCC ahead of COP30 in Belém, Brazil. The Commission states it is sending a strong, united signal and is accompanying the NDC to COP30.
• Further details and next steps: Member States also agreed a legally binding 2040 target of 90% with a domestic target of 85% and up to 5% international carbon credits; the Commission’s July 2025 proposal forms the basis and negotiations with the European Parliament will follow. The Commission sets a pragmatic pathway to 2040 (including full implementation of the Clean Industrial Deal) and references the European Climate Law and the existing ‘Fit for 55’ 2030 package.