Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) has cautioned the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and Christian Social Union (CSU) against delaying a vote on a new EU climate target for 2040. In an interview with “Der Spiegel”, Schneider stated that obstructing the decision-making process and postponing necessary resolutions risks a costly, isolated course for Germany.
The European Commission proposed in July a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent by 2040 across the EU. The Environment Ministers of member states are scheduled to discuss this proposal on September 18th. However, there are calls to postpone the decision and elevate the discussion to the heads of state and government.
Schneider emphasized that a majority vote, as planned within the Council of Environment Ministers, is crucial for achieving an ambitious climate target within the EU. He argued this is the key to implementing the coalition agreement on climate protection, which both the CDU/CSU and SPD have committed to, subject to certain conditions. He called on his governing partners, stating: “I expect us to work together within the Federal Government now and to jointly ensure that a decision is reached in the next Environment Minister Council.
Schneider affirmed that the proposed target aligns perfectly with existing German objectives and is even in the economic and industrial policy interest of Germany. He stated that the German economy has a justified interest in advancing climate protection collaboratively within Europe, rather than acting alone.
