EIT Climate KIC joins EU coalition for higher climate ambition
Ahead of the upcoming European Council (EUCO) and Environment Council (ENV), the Coalition for Higher Ambition – convened by CAN Europe – urges EU leaders to support a net domestic emissions reduction target of at least 90% by 2040 and submit an ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Since the European Commission released its Communication on the 2040 climate target in February 2024, the climate crisis has escalated worldwide. Over a year since this announcement, the necessary Climate Law amendment is yet to be seen, as is the overdue EU NDC to be submitted under the Paris Agreement. The Coalition for Higher Ambition – a broad alliance of businesses, local and regional authorities, and civil society groups convened by CAN Europe and joined by Climate KIC – is now calling on the EU and Member States to fully meet their obligations to build on the European Green Deal in addressing the climate crisis.
The recent Clean Industrial Deal and the Competitiveness Compass announcements reaffirm the EU’s commitment to decarbonisation, recognising that climate ambition drives both economic competitiveness and energy security. Businesses, investors, and local and regional authorities are already leading the way, investing in clean industries, decarbonisation, and resilience measures. In this framework, a clear and ambitious 2040 climate target will provide increased certainty for businesses and financial markets, reduce investment risks, and strengthen Europe’s economic leadership.
The broad coalition calling for a science-based target speaks volumes. Europe has a choice: act decisively now and harness the opportunities of the green transition, or risk falling behind. An ambitious 2040 emissions reduction target will ensure the co-benefits of job creation, economic growth, social protections, public health improvements, and energy security well before 2040
Chiara Martinelli, Director at CAN Europe
Europe’s competitive future depends on bold transformation, not incremental transition. Climate KIC is catalysing change by aligning regional and city-industry collaboration through EU initiatives like NetZeroCities, shaping lead markets for sustainable and resilient decarbonisation solutions. The Clean Industrial Deal must enable this transformation by integrating policy, finance, and innovation to ensure industrial change is not only possible but inevitable
Kirsten Dunlop, CEO of Climate KIC
The Coalition urges EU leaders to swiftly agree on ambitious and science-aligned post-2030 targets to reflect:
- At least 90% net domestic emissions reduction by 2040 (compared to 1990 levels), in line with the recommendations of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC).
- An ambitious NDC that reflects the EU’s responsibility as a historic emitter, including a 2035 target no lower than at least 72.5% net domestic emissions reductions.
Ahead of COP30, hosted in Brazil this year, the EU must reaffirm its global climate leadership through ambitious domestic policies and international collaboration. Failing to deliver a strong NDC after missing the UNFCCC deadline would undermine global progress and weaken Europe’s position as a credible partner in the just transition.
Find the letter and list of signatories here.
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