On the day that a new report warns the world is still on track for a catastrophic 2.6C increase in temperature, the European Parliament has today voted to back a binding target to cut Europe’s greenhouse gas emissions by 90 % by 2040, a key milestone on the road to climate neutrality by 2050.
Liberal MEP Gerben-Jan Gerbrandy, initiated talks with Greens, S&D and EPP to get the result the far-right rapporteur was unwilling to achieve. He hailed the vote as “a victory for common sense, for clean industry, and for a Europe that keeps its promises.”
“Today, Europe chose progress over paralysis,” Gerbrandy said. “We voted for cleaner air for our children, lower energy bills for families, and more investment in the technologies that will power Europe’s future. The far right tried to block it, but the democratic majority stood firm.”
The adopted position confirms the 90 % reduction target as the core of the EU’s Climate Law, providing clarity and predictability for businesses and investors. The target will guide Europe’s industrial modernisation, support the Clean Industrial Deal, and strengthen energy independence.
“This is a choice for industrial strategy,” Gerbrandy added. “Most companies are already making the right steps, and they deserve clear climate ambitions. We have one task, and it is to give European companies confidence to innovate and invest. They create high-quality jobs, make us less dependent on imported fossil fuels, and keep Europe competitive in the global clean-tech race.”
Liberals and Democrats played a leading role in building a broad pro-European majority, working with the EPP, S&D and Greens to defend the compromise text against far-right and conservative attempts to delete the target or weaken the law.
“The far right voted against Europe’s future,” Gerbrandy said. “They claim to defend workers and competitiveness, but their plan would raise energy costs, deepen fossil dependence and push investment overseas. European liberals stand for responsibility, not denial.”
With Parliament’s position now adopted, the legislation will move to interinstitutional negotiations with the Council. The Parliament improved on the Council's position by putting stricter criteria and safeguards in place, pertaining to the so-called international climate credits. Gerbrandy believes this to be 'a significant improvement on the carte blanche approach adopted by Council'. Renew Europe called on Member States to adopt the improvement and secure swift adoption of the final law.
“Europe is the fastest-warming continent on earth,” Gerbrandy concluded.
“Staying the course is not only about protecting the climate, it’s about protecting our economy, our security and our future prosperity. The centre held, and Europe is moving forward together.”
Gerben-Jan GerbrandyRenew Europe MEP, Netherlands, Democraten 66