2040 climate target adopted and in force · Risk 6.7/10 · 3 active alerts
Regulation 2026/667 has set a binding 90% net greenhouse-gas reduction target for 2040 and has been in force since 7 Apr 2026. CBAM’s definitive phase began on 1 Jan; first annual declaration and certificate surrender are due 31 May 2027. ETS2 now starts in 2028.
Editorial snapshot: 2026-09-13
The final act sets a 90% net reduction from 1990 levels by 2040. Implementation risk has replaced legislative adoption risk.
Environment Council agreed 90% net reduction by 2040. Carbon capture and sinks counted at maximum level allowed by scientific advisory board. Eastern Europe secured flexibility for coal phase-out timeline. Now awaits EP position.
consilium.europa.eu
Carbon border tariff certificates now required for imports of steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, electricity, hydrogen. 135,000+ importers registered. Turkey and UK bilateral recognition discussions ongoing.
eur-lex.europa.eu
Industry lobby formally endorses 85% target with full technology neutrality (CCUS, nuclear, hydrogen all counting). Creates pressure on EPP to break from Commission 90% position. Green groups call it "climate delay strategy."
Euractiv