Ljubljana – The Ministry of the Environment, Climate and Energy has conditionally endorsed the proposal to amend the European Climate Law, which aims for a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels in Brussels. They emphasized the need for a supportive framework to ensure the goal is achieved in a fair and effective manner. The non-governmental organization Focus has indicated that the EU should aim for net zero emissions by 2040.
The ministry expressed Slovenia’s support for the European Commission’s proposed amendment to the European Climate Law, which was approved by the College of Commissioners on Wednesday. Slovenia advocates for a credible, science-based target that aligns with the goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest, in accordance with the Paris Agreement.
“We conditionally support the proposal for a 90% reduction in net emissions by 2040, provided a supportive framework is established, including regulatory, financial, and social elements, to ensure a fair and effective achievement of this goal. The proposal includes a detailed analysis of its impacts, which we will closely examine while formulating our official position,” they stated.
The ministry noted that Slovenia must rigorously implement the measures outlined in last year’s National Climate and Energy Plan to meet this goal, which will also require updates following the adoption of more detailed regulations.
Focus views the proposed amendment to the Climate Law as a significant advancement but believes it is too far off. Taj Zavodnik, a professional associate from Focus, characterized it as an expensive compromise, asserting that the EU should achieve net zero emissions by 2040 based on scientific recommendations. He criticized the Commission for yielding to pressures from certain member states and members of the European Parliament, stating that “we need decisive action, not accounting tricks.” (July 2 and 3)
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