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ARTICLE · 19 NOVEMBER 2025

Horizon Scanner: Energy, Planning, Infrastructure And Construction November 2025 - Environment & Planning

The European Council has agreed to a proposal to set a binding target of a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels by 2040.

IrelandEnvironment

EU

European Council agrees to 2040 climate target

The European Council has agreed to a proposal to set a binding target of a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels by 2040. The target would be introduced by way of an amendment to the EU Climate Law. Under new terms agreed to by the Council, countries will be permitted to claim a further 5% of the target through international carbon credits under certain circumstances. The target will be reviewed every two years. The Council has also introduced a provision postponing the application of the EU emissions trading system for buildings and road transport (ETS2) by one year, from 2027 to 2028. The EU Parliament must now adopt its position on the proposal.

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This article contains a general summary of developments and is not a complete or definitive statement of the law. Specific legal advice should be obtained where appropriate.

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