Diplomats from the 27 member states of the European Union (EU) are under intense time pressure to quickly agree on a 10-year target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The decision must be made before the The EU will present itself at the COP30 summit in Brazil, which begins on 10 November, with the ambition to maintain its position as a climate leader.

Proposed target and resistance

The European Commission initially proposed that the EU should reduce emissions by 90 % against the 1990 levelThis target represents a fundamental step towards achieving carbon neutrality in 2050.

However, some Member States, including Poland and the Czech Republic, describe this ambitious 90 % target as “unfeasible”. These countries are demanding that it be adopted compensation or concessionsAs a result of these disagreements, the EU has already missed the deadline to submit a detailed plan for 2035.

Main points of contention and compromises

Three key points complicate the negotiations:

1. Revision provision: EU leaders are demanding that the proposal include a mechanism that would allow the target to be adjusted in the future if conditions change.
2. Carbon credit offsetting: There is a debate about whether and to what extent Member States can use international or domestic credits to meet the target. Some countries insist that crediting should be limited.
3. Competitive pressure on the industry: The adoption of an extreme goal is also complicated by the necessity protect EU industry from losing competitiveness, especially if the borders were too hard without adequate support.

In an attempt to overcome the stalemate, he was introduced a crude compromise proposal to reduce emissions to the extent between 66.25 % and 72.5 % compared to 1990. However, this more moderate proposal is considered by many to be insufficient given the existing EU commitments.

Urgency and implications for European policy

Failure to agree on a credible and ambitious target before COP30 could seriously damage the EU's reputation as a climate leader. The EU is also bound by its own legislation, such as the European Climate Law, and international commitments, such as the Paris Agreement.

For Member States with energy-intensive industries, including Slovakia, it is crucial to:

• Prepare reforms for decarbonization in sectors such as energy, transport and industry.
• Use the available EU support in the form of funds and investments.
• Ensure that the goal is not only symbolic, but above all implementable and measurable.

If the EU fails to meet the target or delays it, sectors such as the automotive industry and fossil fuels could face higher costs and a bleak future. Postponing the decision risks the EU losing its authority in the international fight against climate change.

The EU is therefore at a crossroads: either approve a more ambitious 90 % reduction or remain with compromises that could undermine confidence in its long-term climate commitments. This week is crucial for the future direction of European climate policy. CO2AI