The EU’s Environmental Council meeting in Brussels marked the first official discussion of the 2040 climate goal. While Finland supports the EU Commission’s proposed 90 percent net emission reduction target for the Union’s 2040 climate goal, they have certain reservations. This reduction target is calculated from the level of emissions in 1990 and will require both emission reductions and carbon removal to achieve.
Finland emphasized the importance of cost-effective emission reductions and taking into account the uncertainties in the land use sector when implementing future legislation. They also recognize that transitioning industries to green technologies is crucial for achieving emission reductions, including transitioning steel factories and refineries away from fossil fuels, which may depend on how pure hydrogen is defined. Additionally, Finland views technical sinks as essential for achieving net reduction increases in carbon dioxide emissions, especially if they aim to increase net reduction by more than five million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The EU member states have not yet formed their positions on this target, making it a starting point for a long process of negotiations. However, Finland adamantly believes that key instruments used to implement this target must meet their minimum requirements. This includes proceeding technology-neutrally and accepting nuclear power, as well as creating effective incentives for technical carbon sequestration at the EU level.
