France wants to delay EU’s next climate milestone, Macron confirms

illuminem summarises for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on POLITICO or enjoy below:

🗞️ Driving the news: French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that France is seeking to delay agreement on the EU’s 2040 climate target and wants to treat the interim 2035 goal separately
• His remarks follow a heated EU summit in Brussels, where France joined Poland and Hungary in pushing back against the European Commission’s proposed trajectory
• The Commission plans to unveil a draft law next week aiming to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, with a non-binding 2035 target expected ahead of COP30 in Brazil

🔭 The context: The EU must submit national emissions pathways for 2035 to the UN by September under the Paris Agreement
• The 2035 milestone was initially intended to align with the 2040 goal, bridging the gap to 2050 climate neutrality
• France’s call for delay, echoed by traditional climate skeptics, contrasts with countries like Denmark, which want both targets finalized in time for COP30
• Macron argues the 2040 discussion needs deeper debate and alignment with economic competitiveness and energy realities

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Delaying the 2040 goal risks weakening the EU’s credibility as a global climate leader, especially as it positions itself to fill the leadership void left by wavering U.S. commitment
• A lower 2035 target, potentially around 66% emissions reduction (versus 72.5% proposed), could undermine the bloc’s pathway to net zero
• Vulnerable nations such as Pacific Island states have voiced concern over France’s stance, highlighting the existential threat of climate inaction

⏭️ What's next: The European Commission is expected to present its full 2040 legislative package next week, incorporating flexibilities and investment demands from member states
• The upcoming Danish EU presidency will aim to reconcile divergent positions and reach consensus before the UN climate summit in Belém
• Key battles will focus on defining the pace of emissions cuts and accommodating nuclear and renewable energy within the framework

💬 One quote:  “We urged [Macron] to guide the EU to an ambitious [2035 target]... If France is now backing away... that would be a major reversal,” — Tina Stege, Climate Envoy of the Marshall Islands

📈 One stat: The EU Commission’s preferred 2035 target is a 72.5% cut in emissions from 1990 levels — compared to the ~66% reduction proposed under a slower, linear trajectory

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