Arriving in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, Ursula von der Leyen, president of the European Commission, stopped by the Global Renewables Summit where she was speaking about a “real momentum” for a green Europe. However, the difficulties emerging during the Environment Council on 18 September remain unmentioned. On that occasion, the ministers of the EU member states had not signed a binding decision for a 90 per cent reduction in emissions by 2040.
The ministers of the Member States meeting in the Environment Council could not agree on the amendment to the European climate law, nor on the attached letter of intent, thus failing to introduce binding targets for sustainability and combating global warming.
“The momentum in Europe is real. For every euro spent on fossil fuels, more than two are invested in clean energy. Almost half of Europe’s electricity comes from renewable sources. Solar and wind are our fastest-growing sources. And, with our Clean Industrial Deal, we are mobilising more than €100 billion to help industries innovate and adapt.” — she said.
What has been happening on the European continent in recent days, however, is not in line with the claims made. On Thursday, 18 September, there was the latest setback on the Green Economy: the ministers responsible for the environment did not sign up to the binding targets for 2040, delegating the decision to their heads of government. The topic of discord was the setting of a target within the “European climate act.”
The aim was to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90 per cent by 2040. However, the decision was postponed and deferred to the European Council at the end of October, when, seated at the table, all leaders will seek a compromise in view of the Brazilian COP30, scheduled for early November.
