Finland Backs 90% Emissions Cut by 2040 Amid EU Climate Goal Disputes
WARSAW: As EU member states prepare for complex negotiations on the bloc’s next climate target, Finland has publicly endorsed a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Speaking to Reuters, Mika Nykänen, Finland’s State Secretary for Climate, affirmed the country’s support for the ambitious goal, which is expected to be proposed soon by the European Commission.
The Commission had originally intended to unveil the 2040 target last month but postponed the announcement due to resistance from certain member states and lawmakers. Critics argue the plan could place undue strain on European industries already under economic pressure.
“We believe this is a solid and appropriate goal,” said Nykänen. “Europe needs a stable and attractive climate policy to foster investor confidence. Constantly altering major climate targets could create uncertainty for businesses and investors.”
Although the 2040 emissions goal is not officially on the agenda for this week’s meeting of EU environment ministers in Warsaw, it is expected to be discussed informally.
The proposal has divided EU countries. Denmark, the Netherlands, and Slovenia are in favor of the 90% reduction, while other nations, such as Italy, have expressed strong opposition.
In response to mounting political resistance, the European Commission is reportedly considering certain flexibilities to ease implementation. These may include allowing the use of international carbon credits to offset part of the emissions cuts. Germany recently supported this approach but proposed limiting it to three percentage points of the 90% target.
France has also shown interest, provided that any carbon credits used are tied to verifiable emissions reductions abroad.
Nykänen stated that Finland has not suggested such mechanisms but acknowledged the difficulties some member states face in transitioning to clean energy. “Negotiations will be challenging, as each country has unique concerns about its role in achieving the EU-wide goal,” he said.
EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has announced plans to present the 2040 climate target before the summer.
Currently, the EU is legally bound to reduce emissions by 55% from 1990 levels by 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
