The Coalition for Higher Ambition, which encompasses groups including C40 Cities, Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, ICLEI Europe, Transport & Environment, the We Mean Business coalition and more, has called on EU leaders to commit to at least a 90% net domestic emissions reduction by 2040.
In a letter to the leaders of the European Commission and European Parliament, the groups also urged EU leaders to pledge an ‘ambitious’ Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) ‘without delay’, noting that since the publication of the Commission’s 2040 climate targets last year, the climate crisis has wreaked havoc on Europe in the form of extreme weather events.
‘Reaffirmed’ commitment
The letter noted the recent publication of the Competitiveness Compass and the Clean Industrial Deal, which have ‘reaffirmed’ the EU’s commitment to continue implementing the European Green Deal for a just transition and decarbonisation.
‘As an alliance of European business organisations, major city networks and regional governments and civil society organisations, who are key actors in driving ambitious climate action and implementing policies on the ground, we welcome these efforts,’ the group said. ‘We call on the EU and Member States to ensure the full implementation of the Fit for 55 package and to deliver ambitious post-2030 climate targets and policy package building on this framework. We stress that no efforts under a simplification agenda should lower social and environmental protection.’
A clear EU decarbonisation pathway ‘will provide the necessary guidance to develop a stable policy framework’, they added, guiding financial markets and businesses toward sustainable investments that align with the 1.5°C global temperature goal.
COP30 and beyond
In addition, with COP30 on the horizon, the EU ‘needs to demonstrate leadership’ by presenting an ambitious NDC, reflecting its status as both a historic emitter and an affluent region.
‘Advancing the EU’s bilateral collaboration on climate action with other countries, particularly through an ambitious NDC and equitable financing, is essential for global progress,’ the group added. ‘Driving the international just transition agenda alongside Brazil’s COP30 Presidency will bolster the EU’s credibility as a fair and reliable partner.’
It also called for the establishment of a ‘bold’ multi-annual financial framework for 2028-2034 that channels public and private investment toward sustainable infrastructure, clean energy, and climate resilience.
The groups published the letter ahead of the March EUCO and ENVI Council, which takes place later this month. Read more here.
