EU to propose more flexible climate goal in July, sources say
BRUSSELS - The European Commission will propose a new EU climate target in July that includes flexibilities for how countries meet it, as Brussels attempts to fend off mounting criticism of Europe's environmental aims, EU diplomats told Reuters.
The European Union's climate commissioner, Wopke Hoekstra, confirmed plans to present an EU climate target for 2040 on July 2, during a meeting with EU countries' representatives on Wednesday, diplomats familiar with the closed-door talks told Reuters.
The proposal will set an EU goal to cut net greenhouse gas emissions 90% by 2040, compared with 1990 levels, the diplomats said. However, the EU executive plans to add flexibilities to that target, which could reduce what it demands from domestic industries.
The flexibilities include setting an emissions-cutting target for domestic industries that is lower than 90% and letting countries buy international carbon credits to make up the rest, to reach 90%, the diplomats said.
A European Commission spokesperson declined to comment on the plans.
The Commission has promised not to weaken Europe's ambitious climate aims, despite mounting criticism from governments and lawmakers concerned about the cost for European businesses, which are struggling with high energy prices and looming U.S. tariffs.
Europe is the world's fastest-warming continent. The Commission has delayed its 2040 climate proposal for months, and has weakened other green laws in recent months to try to calm the political pushback.
EU countries are split over the 2040 goal, which they and EU lawmakers must approve. Finland, the Netherlands and Denmark are among those backing a 90% emissions cut. Opponents include Italy and the Czech Republic.
Germany has backed a 90% target if countries can use international carbon credits to meet three percentage points of the goal.
The Commission is also considering softening requirements for countries to cut emissions in specific sectors - giving them more choice over which industries do the heavy lifting to meet the goal, the diplomats said.
The 2040 goal will aim to keep EU countries on track between their 2030 emissions target - which they are nearly on track to meet - and the EU's aim to reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
5 hours ago
- The National
Germany's former foreign minister elected president of UN General Assembly
Former German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock was elected president of the UN General Assembly on Monday, despite opposition from Russia. Ms Baerbock, 44, won with 167 votes in a secret ballot, with 14 abstentions. Russia had pushed for the secret vote in a last-minute challenge, but her appointment was widely seen as a formality given she was the only candidate. The Green Party politician, who needed only a simple majority, will assume the one-year post on September 9, before the 80th annual high-level gathering of world leaders at the UN. Ms Baerbock will be the fifth woman to preside over the UN General Assembly in its nearly 80-year history, and the first European woman to hold the post. Unlike past presidents, who largely focused on protocol, she vowed to tackle bureaucratic inefficiencies, boost transparency and strengthen the assembly's voice in choosing the next UN secretary general. "My door will always be open for everyone – better together," Ms Baerbock said after her election, emphasising a commitment to "trust-based dialogue" with all member states. She also stressed the importance of including input from all regions and groups in the reform process. 'This organisation requires adequate, reliable funding, and at the same time, we need to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the entire system,' Ms Baerbock said. The General Assembly presidency is primarily an organisational role, overseeing plenary sessions among the body's 193 member states. Ms Baerbock has faced criticism for her strong pro- Israel stance during the Gaza conflict, with opponents accusing her of echoing Israeli government rhetoric. "Of course, self-defence means not only attacking terrorists, but destroying them," she said last year. "When Hamas terrorists hide behind people, behind schools, we do not cower in the face of it. Then civilian places can also lose their protected status because terrorists abuse it. That is what Germany stands for, and for us that means the security of Israel." Ms Baerbock's term as General Assembly president will test whether she can translate her reformist talk into tangible changes at the UN.
Zawya
9 hours ago
- Zawya
IAG Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo and MASkargo prepare for launch of Global Cargo Joint Business
Munich, Germany, At a press conference held at Air Cargo Europe in Munich, IAG Cargo, Qatar Airways Cargo and MAB Kargo Sdn Bhd (MASkargo) discussed their intention to move forward with the launch of their Global Cargo Joint Business. Following the initial announcement in April 2025, the partnership is now targeting a formal launch in late 2025, subject to regulatory approvals. The global partnership will deliver new routing opportunities, increased operational agility, and unparalleled connectivity for customers across the global air freight market. The Global Cargo Joint Business' value proposition lies in enhanced routing flexibility and capacity options connecting APAC, the Middle East, Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, Europe, and the Americas. The partnership will unlock new routings not previously available via a single booking, opening fresh trade opportunities across the world. At launch, the parties will focus on key cargo markets, with additional countries expected to be included in future phases, in line with regulatory approvals. The three carriers will be working to progressively align systems, processes, and commercial offerings to ensure a smooth rollout for customers. Streamlined products, services, enhanced digital solutions and a combined Avios loyalty proposition are expected to form part of the collective offering in due course. The carriers will look to optimise freighter and belly hold capacity across their combined networks, improving efficiency and flexibility for customers. Additionally, coordinated ground handling and trucking will deliver a smoother experience for customers booking their cargo through the new cargo joint business. At the same time, the three carriers will enter into individual agreements with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), the largest humanitarian organization fighting hunger, very soon. First announced at Air Cargo Europe, the three carriers will propose to provide in total 1000 tonnes of free tonnage to support WFP in the delivery of essential food supplies and commodities. This initiative reflects Global Cargo Joint Business' unified commitment to humanitarian aid and the broader goal of ending world hunger. David Shepherd, Chief Executive Officer at IAG Cargo, added: 'This proposed joint business represents a real step change for our customers. By creating this single network, we are creating new connections which unlock new commercial opportunities. This network will be more efficient, reliable, and coordinated than anything offered through traditional interline agreements. 'Just as we are focused on delivering for our customers, we are equally committed to making a positive impact in the communities in which we operate, which is why we are delighted that this includes backing the vital work of the World Food Programme.' Mark Drusch, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways Cargo, said: "We are thrilled to discuss the upcoming launch of our groundbreaking partnership on the sidelines of Air Cargo Munich. Together, we will deliver unparalleled service and efficiency, ensuring that our customers receive the very best in air cargo solutions. Moreover, this collaboration allows us to contribute meaningfully to corporate social responsibility by supporting the World Food Programme. Together, we are utilising our strong networks to make a positive impact on communities around the world, showcasing the true power of partnership.' Mark Jason Thomas, Chief Executive Officer at MASkargo, commented: "This partnership is a major milestone for MASkargo and the global cargo industry. By teaming up with Qatar Airways Cargo and IAG Cargo, we're extending our reach and unlocking seamless connectivity across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas. It's more than network expansion; it's about transforming how cargo moves worldwide. As the leading cargo carrier in our region, MASkargo has always been committed to connecting Asia with the world. This collaboration takes us further, delivering greater value, reach, and efficiency for our customers. We're also proud to support the World Food Programme's mission, reinforcing our belief that logistics can be a powerful force for good." 'This collaboration reflects the growing role of the private sector in accelerating humanitarian response,' said Virginia Villar Arribas, WFP's Deputy Director for Private Sector Partnerships. 'We are excited to work with Qatar Airways Cargo, IAG Cargo, and MASkargo to shape an approach that can help WFP deliver faster, more efficiently, and at scale.' The partners remain focused on obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals and are progressing towards the scheduled launch in late 2025. More updates will be shared as the go-live date approaches. About Qatar Airways Cargo Qatar Airways Cargo, the world's leading international air cargo carrier is based in Doha, Qatar. It serves a global network of more than 60 freighter destinations and 160 passenger destinations utilising freighters and belly-hold passenger aircraft. The airline's freighter fleet includes 28 Boeing 777 freighters and over 230 belly-hold planes. It also has an extensive road feeder service (RFS) network. The cargo airline is the launch customer for the innovative Boeing 777-8F featuring advanced technology, and a 25 per cent improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions, with the first delivery due to arrive in 2027. As a market leader, the cargo carrier provides high operating standards for the transportation of cargo, with considerable investments in digitalisation, products, facilities, and services. Qatar Airways Cargo remains committed to sustainability and giving back to communities it serves through its sustainability program WeQare, built on the key pillars of sustainability: environment, society, economy, and culture. About IAG Cargo IAG Cargo is the single business created following the merger of British Airways World Cargo and Iberia Cargo in April 2011. Following the integration of additional airlines into the business, including Aer Lingus, Vueling and LEVEL, IAG Cargo now covers a global network covering six continents. In 2024, IAG Cargo had a commercial revenue of €1,234 million. Its parent company, International Airlines Group, is one of the world's largest airline groups with 601 aircraft on 31st December 2024. About MASkargo MAB Kargo Sdn. Bhd. (MASkargo) is the cargo division of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG). Specializing in providing comprehensive air cargo solutions, MASkargo offers a wide range of services, including scheduled and chartered air freight, cargo terminal handling, and integrated logistics solutions via air, land, and sea transportation. With dedicated belly capacity and freighter operations, complemented by robust partnerships with leading cargo carriers, MASkargo's expansive network is able to reach over 100 destinations worldwide. MASkargo is also the premier Cargo Terminal Operator in eleven airports throughout Malaysia, serving the cargo handling needs of over 40 carriers, including some of the leading names in the industry. Its flagship state-of-the-art 108-acre complex in Kuala Lumpur International Airport is equipped with advanced cargo handling facilities and is the nation's only fully automated cargo terminal. With a processing area of 92,900 square metres, the facility has an annual capacity of handling up to one million tonnes of cargo, with the potential for expansion to three million tonnes. MASkargo is a trusted global brand and is recognised as one of Asia's leading air cargo carriers. About IAG Loyalty IAG Loyalty is a pioneer in the loyalty industry with over 30 years of experience. It's home to British Airways Holidays and Avios - the loyalty currency of British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus, Vueling, Qatar Airways, Finnair and Loganair. With a vision to create the world's most rewarding experiences, IAG Loyalty enables more than 69 million members worldwide to collect and redeem Avios through a diverse range of partners spanning retail, travel and financial services. Its parent company, International Airlines Group (IAG), is one of the world's largest airline groups with 600+ aircraft carrying more than 122 million customers to 260 destinations across 91 countries each year. Avios is one of the world's most flexible and rewarding loyalty currencies—interoperable across seven airlines and widely used across 69m members worldwide.
The National
10 hours ago
- The National
German minister warns Israel that no military goal justifies Gaza deaths
Germany's Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan, a refugee born of Iraqi parents, was on the verge of tears on Monday as she called on Israel to stop 'destroying lives in Gaza'. Newly appointed as a cabinet minister in the post of Federal Minister for Economic Co-operation and Development, Ms Alabali-Radovan demanded full humanitarian access to the besieged territory. My personal history as a refugee coming to Germany shows the point that if we don't do anything with those crises is that people tend to flee Reem Alabali-Radovan 'There can and must be no military goal that justifies children starving, mothers being unable to receive treatment for their injured children, or entire families being buried under rubble,' she told the Hamburg Sustainability Conference. 'No political strategy must lead to the blocking of humanitarian aid.' Warning of a 'man-made humanitarian catastrophe', Ms Alabali–Radovan said an immediate ceasefire must be followed by permanent restoration of aid flows. 'Without a ceasefire, there will be no protection for civilians, no secure supply, and no prospect of political solutions,' she said. 'The continued violence is not only destroying lives, but also any prospect of peace. The Hamas terrorist attack on October 7 was a barbaric act. Protecting one's own population is a legitimate goal – both military and political,' she added. 'But every state action is subject to international law.' German political culture has been highly supportive of Israel throughout the conflict, with ministers loath to depart from an approach guided by history. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), has entered office at a time of crisis in Germany's position on Gaza. He is reportedly charting a new course with a harder line on aid access. The German leader spoke by phone with Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu to warn of the urgent need to allow sufficient humanitarian aid to flow into the Gaza Strip. Ms Alabali-Radovan was backed up in her assertions by Cindy McCain, the director general of the World Food Programme, who hit out at accusation of looting and diversion of aid on entry to Gaza. 'In the case of Gaza it is such a catastrophe,' she said. 'These people are not terrorists, they are starving to death. If they see an aid truck coming they want food for their families. I would do anything to feed my family. I think you would too.' The Social Democrat politician is the first from her Middle Eastern background to have reached the highest rung of German politics. She was born in Moscow, where her Chaldean Iraqi parents were exiled in the Soviet Union, having fled the regime of Saddam Hussein. The family then moved to Germany, where she grew up. In the early part of her career she worked with refugees before entering politics and working for a spell as minister for integration. Now as a development minister at time when the US and other major allies have cut spending designed to assist the world's poorest, Ms Alabali-Radovan is seeking to use Germany's strong budget for global assistance to build trust. 'It is my job to explain why it is important to Germany that we cope with the crisis we are speaking about,' she said. 'My personal history as a refugee coming to Germany shows the point that if we don't do anything with crises then people tend to flee, they don't want to but they have to, and I give this example to show why it's important.' Sponsors of the Hamburg conference hope the meeting can provide a counter-balance to the dramatic move by the Trump administration to withdraw from the multilateral international institutions.
