Environment ministers started talks on Tuesday at 10, and negotiations lasted until late at night. Despite intense discussions, it was not possible to break the blocking minority, which includes, among others, Poland. Danish presidency spokeswoman Stine Dragsted said she hoped to reach an agreement on Wednesday morning, when deliberations resume.
The ministers' work focuses on amending the EU climate law, which is to introduce a target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 90%. by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. At the EU summit on October 23, member states agreed to introduce several safeguards in this regard. Poland, which sought a review clause, wants it to be possible to deviate from the goal in the event of unfavorable circumstances.
However, this is not the only point of contention. Deputy Minister of Climate Krzysztof Bolesta pointed out that the issue of carbon credits remains a problem for Poland. Poland aims to establish an international financial instrument that would take into account green projects implemented in third countries. The compromise proposed by Denmark at the level of 3%. has not gained acceptance from most countries, and Poland opts for 10 percent.
The ministers' decision will not end the legislative process. The final shape of the amended climate law will require agreement between the EU Council and the European Parliament.
In addition to talks on the new climate target, environment ministers are also expected to approve the EU's updated commitment under the Paris Agreement. This document, signed in 2015, aims to limit the global temperature increase to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius compared to the pre-industrial era. In 2020, the European Union committed to reducing emissions by at least 55%. by 2030
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All of these decisions are crucial ahead of the upcoming COP30 climate summit, which will take place on Thursday in Belem, Brazil. This is where the European Union is to announce its new climate goals. However, in order to update the commitments under the Paris Agreement, unanimity of all member states is required.
