After the European Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday, Macron confirmed his intention to address the 2035 target first and allow more time for discussions on the 2040 target.
Macron believes there’s no need to rush these discussions.
“Achieving the 2040 target for Belém would be beneficial, but our primary focus should be the 2035 target, not the 2040 European targets. We shouldn’t stretch ourselves too thin,” he stated.
“Let’s avoid sabotaging our own efforts,” he continued. “If it’s ready for Belém, great. If it takes more time, then it’s crucial we use that time to ensure it’s done correctly.”
Debate Intensifies
Macron emphasized the need for the 2040 target to align with competitiveness and insisted that renewables and nuclear energy should receive equal treatment in the EU’s upcoming climate strategies. He stressed the importance of providing countries with more flexibility to achieve the target and called for increased investment.
He indicated that he could only support the 2040 target if these elements were part of the Commission’s plan.
Many governments have outlined numerous conditions for agreeing to a 2040 target, and the Commission is expected to allow countries considerable leeway to hit the target to secure the support of a majority of member states.
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