Austria is slowing down: EU climate target 2040 postponed again!

Austria is slowing down: EU climate target 2040 postponed again!

On September 5, 2025, Austria, together with France, Germany and other EU states, plans to postpone the decision on the European climate target for 2040. The vote was originally scheduled to take place on September 18th at the EU environment ministers in Brussels, but it is now expected that this will not be decided until the EU summit at the end of October. This delay comes against the background that the unanimity principle in the European Council allows a single country to block the EU's climate targets.

The Austrian Federal Chancellery emphasizes that the internal Austrian positioning has not yet been completed. Meanwhile, the SPÖ and NEOS have already spoken out in favor of reducing emissions by at least 90 percent. This target reflects the ambitious plans of the EU, which proposes a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. This target is based on the recommendations of the EU Climate Advisory Council and is based on the requirements of the Paris Climate Agreement. The EU Commission is calling for a reduction of at least 55 percent by 2030 before the EU becomes climate neutral by 2050.

Political reactions

In the last few days there has been strong criticism from the Greens and GLOBAL 2000. They see the delay in the decision as fatal. Green politicians are raising concerns that Viktor Orbán, the Hungarian prime minister, may block climate targets. GLOBAL 2000 calls for a rapid adoption of the EU's 2040 climate targets, particularly in view of the next deadline of September 24 for the EU to submit the new 2035 climate target to the United Nations.

In order to achieve the climate goals by 2040, a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from various sectors is required. These include industry, agriculture, transport and energy supply. A key to achieving climate neutrality is the expansion of renewable energies, with the aim of covering over 90 percent of electricity consumption by 2040. A third of energy-related emissions, however, come from heating and cooling buildings.

Economic and social aspects

The EU Commission has already passed extensive laws for 2030, but their implementation is in the hands of the member states. While some countries such as Germany and France support an ambitious climate target for 2040, there is also disagreement about the role of nuclear power in climate protection. Political support for climate action has recently decreased, particularly with a view to the upcoming European elections.

The eleven EU states that are in favor of an ambitious climate target include Germany, France, Italy and Austria. The need to adapt national climate plans accordingly and use existing political frameworks is essential to achieve climate goals.

Overall, the discussion about the EU climate target is characterized by intense political debates. The coming weeks could be crucial in determining whether the EU can meet its ambitious climate targets and the extent to which member states are prepared to fulfill their commitments.

For more information about the EU's 2040 climate targets, you can read the reports from Dolomite town, Climate Action and daily news see.