The non-binding pledge outlines a potential emissions cut of between 66.25% and 72.5% by 2035, compared to 1990 levels. However, the bloc failed to reach consensus on fixing a single figure, reflecting deep divisions between member states over how ambitious the EU's next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement should be.
European Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said the EU would confront the UN with "a clear range" of targets while leaving open the possibility of settling on one number later. He stressed that other UN members were also exploring the idea of presenting ranges rather than fixed commitments.
Internal divisions and delays
Member states remain split on whether technologies such as carbon capture and storage, carbon removal through forestry, and international carbon credits should be factored into the bloc's calculations. Ministers are expected to revisit the debate in October, when heads of state gather to discuss both the 2035 milestone and the Commission's proposed 90% emissions cut by 2040.
But with Hungary and Slovakia threatening to veto stronger targets, officials are keen to avoid forcing a vote. Instead, an extraordinary environment ministers' meeting could be convened after the October Council in hopes of forging a compromise.
The EU's indecision means it will miss the UN's 29 September deadline to submit updated NDCs, arriving at the UN Climate Ambition Summit in New York on 24 September with only a statement of intent. Final targets must be adopted before COP30 in Belém, Brazil, later this year.
Criticism from NGOs
Environmental groups condemned the outcome as a failure of leadership. Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe said the statement "falls far short of the ambition needed" and warned that the 2035 pledge cannot be finalised until the 2040 target is agreed.
WWF's Shirley Matheson called the move "a missed opportunity" to inspire global action, dismissing the statement as "Olympic-level diplomatic gymnastics" designed to mask the EU's lack of unity.
Despite criticism, Danish climate minister Lars Aagaard insisted the bloc remains committed: "We continue to stand united and will speak with one, clear voice at the UN."