The European Parliament approved changes to the EU Climate Law on Tuesday, adding a new interim climate target for 2040. Under the wording agreed with the Council, net greenhouse‑gas emissions must be cut by 90 % compared with 1990 levels. The rollout of the EU Emissions Trading System for buildings and transport (EU‑ETS 2) will be delayed by one year, moving the start date from 2027 to 2028.
The vote passed with 413 votes in favour against 226, with 12 abstentions. Once the Council adopts the text, the amendment will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal.
Up to five percentage points of the overall emissions reductions can be met with international emission certificates issued outside the EU. The Parliament has insisted that these certificates may only be used in sectors not covered by the EU‑ETS for energy and industry (EU‑ETS 1) and must be sourced from partner countries whose climate goals and policies are compatible with the Paris Agreement.
