This week in Brussels, the issue of climate action is at the forefront, with environment ministers set to discuss the European Commission’s recommendation for a 2040 target to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to 90% below 1990 levels. The EU has already agreed to a 55% cut by the end of this decade, but much more effort is required to meet this target. The debate over whether to set a more challenging 2040 target will be a test of the bloc’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The EU’s scientific advisory board has recommended a 90% reduction as the minimum necessary. Instead of focusing on the specific target, diplomats are encouraged to consider broader strategies for transitioning to climate neutrality post-2030.
Ahead of the Environment Council summit, nearly half of EU members have called for a revival of the nuclear power industry, arguing that EU climate goals would be unattainable without it. Over 100 corporate leaders, including companies like IKEA, Coca Cola, and Google, have also endorsed the 90% target in an open letter. With EU elections approaching, many politicians are hesitant to make bold environmental declarations, with some even opposing the Green Deal as a campaign strategy. Ministerial discussions on climate action will continue behind closed doors, with Belgium hosting a dedicated session on ‘towards a climate neutral and resilient society in 2050’. This session will feed into the EU’s next Strategic Agenda, set to be adopted by heads of government in June.
At a Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels, leaders from 11 member states backed a declaration in support of nuclear power, including French President Emmanuel Macron. Macron believes that nuclear investments can help with coal phase-outs and address the intermittent nature of renewables. However, the conference faced opposition from Greenpeace campaigners, with protests outside the venue dismissing the idea that more reactors would slow global temperature rise. Roughly half of EU governments have signed a declaration calling for a global nuclear revival, prompting a policy poll on the future of European nuclear power plants, including options to decommission, complement renewables, or receive funding boosts.
The European Commission is considering the Biotech Act to boost the bloc’s life science sector. This legislation aims to support innovation and growth in biotechnology, with potential implications for healthcare, agriculture, and environmental sustainability. The policy briefing newsletter provides updates on key EU policy developments, including the latest on climate action, nuclear power, and biotechnology. Stay informed on European rulemaking, policy issues, events, and data trends by subscribing to the newsletter for weekly insights. The discussions and decisions made in Brussels this week will have far-reaching implications for the EU’s environmental and energy policies in the coming years.
