The Danish EU Presidency is still aiming to finalize an agreement on the EU’s 2040 climate target at a ministerial meeting in Brussels on September 18. Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities Lars Aagaard confirmed this goal ahead of an informal ministerial meeting in Copenhagen.

France is reportedly pushing to elevate the discussion to an EU summit in October, potentially complicating the agreement process. This shift could require unanimous approval from EU leaders, a hurdle given differing national interests.

Aagaard emphasized the ongoing intensive dialogue with all countries to address their specific concerns. He acknowledged the uncertainty of achieving an agreement by September 18 but affirmed the commitment to working towards it.

The potential delay to an EU summit raises concerns about the EU’s ability to agree on the 2040 climate target. Reaching a qualified majority among climate ministers, as preferred by the Danish EU Presidency, would bypass opposition from climate-skeptical countries.

Countries like Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, with significant coal sectors or automotive industries, have expressed reservations about the EU Commission’s proposal for a 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. Their opposition could potentially block the target if it requires unanimous approval at a summit.

A delay could also jeopardize the EU’s 2035 target, which must be reported to the UN this month. This target is crucial for the EU’s climate credibility at the upcoming COP30 climate summit in Brazil.

Aagaard stressed the importance of ensuring the EU is prepared to meet its global commitments. He reiterated the ambition to set the 2040 target and derive the 2035 target from it.

Several countries are advocating for flexibility in meeting the target, including the use of climate credits. Climate credits, investments in emission-reducing projects in third countries, have faced criticism from environmental organizations in the past.

Aagaard acknowledged the pressures on European competitiveness and security, highlighting the EU’s limited contribution to global emissions. He emphasized the need to fulfill the promises made in the Paris Agreement while safeguarding the EU’s economic competitiveness.