EU proposes 2040 climate target, despite reservations from Czechia and other countries

The European Commission on Wednesday proposed a binding climate target for 2040 of reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by 90% compared with 1990. This was announced by European Commission Vice-President Teresa Ribera, despite reservations from some countries, such as Czechia, which wanted to postpone this step. It is necessary to keep prosperity and economic aspects in mind, Prime Minister Petr Fiala said after Wednesday's government meeting.

According to the Commission, setting a climate target for 2040 "will provide certainty for investors, innovation, strengthen the leadership of European companies in industry and increase Europe's energy security". However, according to information from ČTK, the current Czech position regarding these targets remains rather more realistic, having previously supported targets of 75 to 80% instead.