As the European Union prepares for contentious negotiations on its next major climate goal, Finland has publicly backed a 90% cut in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040, calling it essential for long-term environmental and economic stability.
Mika Nykänen, Finland’s state secretary for climate, confirmed the country’s support for the ambitious target, which is expected to be officially proposed by the European Commission in the coming months. The goal would push the EU closer to its legally binding commitment to become climate-neutral by 2050.
“We believe it’s a solid and necessary target,” Nykänen said. “Changing major climate goals or policies midstream only creates uncertainty for businesses and investors who need a stable, predictable environment to fund clean energy and innovation.”
The European Commission initially planned to unveil the 2040 target—a 90% cut in emissions compared to 1990 levels—last month but delayed the announcement due to opposition from some member states and EU lawmakers. Critics argue the goal may put excessive pressure on already struggling industries across the bloc.
While countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, and Slovenia support the target, others—including Italy—have pushed back, worried about economic impacts and the cost of transitioning away from fossil fuels.
In response to the political divide, the EU is considering flexibility measures, such as allowing international carbon credits to count toward national targets. This could ease the burden on some industries but may also dilute the environmental impact of the overall goal.
Germany has voiced support for using these credits, with a cap of three percentage points, and France is open to the idea if strong safeguards are in place to ensure real emissions reductions abroad. Finland, however, has not proposed such flexibilities, though Nykänen acknowledged that poorer EU countries or those heavily reliant on fossil fuels face unique challenges.
“There will be tough negotiations,” he said. “Every country has its fears, but we must find a way forward.”
The EU’s current goal is to reduce emissions by 55% by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050. A formal proposal for the 2040 climate target is now expected before the summer, according to EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra.
