The European Climate Law has been a cornerstone of the European Green Deal, anchoring the EU’s climate neutrality goal for 2050 and a 55% emissions reduction target by 2030.
Now, a revision is on the table. In July 2025, the European Commission proposed a new binding target for 2040: at least -90% net greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels, aligning the EU’s path with the Paris Agreement and shaping the next 2035 climate pledge.
However, the revision of the Climate Law is more than a legislative update. It’s a test of Europe’s ability to lead on climate in an era of greater uncertainty, and its fate will be a test of how to maintain climate ambition in a less favourable political and economic environment.
This will be challenging as the proposal faces headwinds such:
The original Climate Law progressed swiftly despite the COVID crisis. By July 2021, it was adopted, setting legally binding targets and establishing the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change.
Fast forward to 2025, and while the science behind the 90% target is robust (and even essential ahead of COP30 in Belém), political feasibility has become the real test.
The non-agreement at the level of ministers on 18th September underscores the obstacles in obtaining a binding commitment for 2040 under current Council configurations, particularly in view of differing national priorities.
The Statement of Intent adopted at that meeting, which is not official or binding, will be submitted to the UNFCCC as a communication and will give the EU something to present internationally (e.g., at the United Nations General Assembly and ahead of COP30) but falls short of a strong, legally binding, and precise target for 2040.
The referral to the European Council (with the next date being October 23rd/24th) means that decision-makers will be at the level of Heads of State/Government rather than environment ministers, a sign that consensus is elusive and that more political weight is needed. In Parliament, the ENVI Committee and upcoming plenary vote will shape the mandate. If successful, trilogues could begin in 2026.
It is essential that Europe maintains high ambition for climate action. The details of the eventual political deal—including conditionality, distribution of effort, and political trade-offs—will define its credibility: and through that, the credibility of European leadership ambitions.
For more background on the revision of the European Climate Law and the political process, read here the full analysis from Dr. Hugo Schally, Lead of SLYCAN Trust's EU Programme.
SLYCAN Trust is a non-profit think tank. It has been a registered legal entity in the form of a trust since 2016, and a guarantee limited company since 2019. The entities focus on the thematic areas of climate change, adaptation and resilience, sustainable development, environmental conservation and restoration, social justice, and animal welfare. SLYCAN Trust’s activities include legal and policy research, education and awareness creation, capacity building and training, and implementation of ground level action. SLYCAN Trust aims to facilitate and contribute to multi-stakeholder driven, inclusive and participatory actions for a sustainable and resilient future for all.
The European Climate Law has been a cornerstone of the European Green Deal, anchoring the EU’s climate neutrality goal for 2050 and a 55% emissions reduction target by 2030.
Now, a revision is on the table. In July 2025, the European Commission proposed a new binding target for 2040: at least -90% net greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels, aligning the EU’s path with the Paris Agreement and shaping the next 2035 climate pledge.
However, the revision of the Climate Law is more than a legislative update. It’s a test of Europe’s ability to lead on climate in an era of greater uncertainty, and its fate will be a test of how to maintain climate ambition in a less favourable political and economic environment.
This will be challenging as the proposal faces headwinds such:
The original Climate Law progressed swiftly despite the COVID crisis. By July 2021, it was adopted, setting legally binding targets and establishing the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change.
Fast forward to 2025, and while the science behind the 90% target is robust (and even essential ahead of COP30 in Belém), political feasibility has become the real test.
The non-agreement at the level of ministers on 18th September underscores the obstacles in obtaining a binding commitment for 2040 under current Council configurations, particularly in view of differing national priorities.
The Statement of Intent adopted at that meeting, which is not official or binding, will be submitted to the UNFCCC as a communication and will give the EU something to present internationally (e.g., at the United Nations General Assembly and ahead of COP30) but falls short of a strong, legally binding, and precise target for 2040.
The referral to the European Council (with the next date being October 23rd/24th) means that decision-makers will be at the level of Heads of State/Government rather than environment ministers, a sign that consensus is elusive and that more political weight is needed. In Parliament, the ENVI Committee and upcoming plenary vote will shape the mandate. If successful, trilogues could begin in 2026.
It is essential that Europe maintains high ambition for climate action. The details of the eventual political deal—including conditionality, distribution of effort, and political trade-offs—will define its credibility: and through that, the credibility of European leadership ambitions.
For more background on the revision of the European Climate Law and the political process, read here the full analysis from Dr. Hugo Schally, Lead of SLYCAN Trust's EU Programme.
