The Guardian writes: "EU no longer willing to act alone on climate, 2040 emissions target signals"

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/02/eu-2040-target-proposal-analysis-france

The Guardian writes: "EU no longer willing to act alone on climate, 2040 emissions target signals".

In summary: The EU’s status as a climate leader is in doubt after the European Commission proposed a 90 % cut in greenhouse-gas emissions by 2040, the weakest figure its scientific advisers deem feasible and one that would let 3 % be met with overseas carbon credits. Green groups say the offset clause erodes trust, though some NGOs argue high-quality markets can still help. The target must pass parliament and member states; President Emmanuel Macron has floated delaying it, severing the link with the bloc’s 2035 Paris pledge. Climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra notes the EU produces only 6 % of global emissions and cannot act alone, yet analysts warn any retreat could sap momentum before COP30 even as polls show Europeans still back strong climate action.