BRUSSELS – European Council President António Costa today highlighted the EU’s “strong commitment” to climate transition, applauding the agreement among national governments to reduce pollutant emissions by up to 90% by 2040.
In a social media post, Costa remarked, “The EU is steadfast in its commitment to a fair, balanced, and socially responsible climate transition—one that is pragmatic, economically efficient, and creates economic opportunities.”
He also commended Denmark’s six-month presidency of the EU Council for securing crucial agreements that pave the way for the EU’s climate neutrality goal by 2050.
Today, EU member states endorsed a binding 90% emissions reduction target for 2040 and committed to cutting between 66.25% and 72.5% by 2035.
Representing the EU alongside European diplomacy chief Kaja Kallas at the UN climate summit COP 30, Costa noted that this agreement reinforces the EU’s “global leadership in combating climate change.”
During an extraordinary nearly 20-hour EU Environment Ministers meeting in Brussels, the council reached a political agreement to cut CO2 emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990 levels, albeit with provisions that allow more flexibility for member states.
Portugal supported the vote, which required a qualified majority, on changes to the European climate law aimed at achieving a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions as a step towards climate neutrality by 2050.
The agreement also allows for a 5% contribution through international carbon credits, enabling countries to invest in sustainable projects abroad to count towards their national targets.
Portugal advocated for broader negotiation openness to include credits from projects in African Portuguese-speaking countries, such as Cape Verde. (05/11/25)
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