EU member states are still negotiating crucial climate targets, with no agreement reached yet, as a leaked draft reveals, just weeks before the UN deadline for submitting national climate plans.

The EU's current goal is a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, with future targets for 2035 and 2040 being essential steps toward achieving net zero by 2050.

Campaigners criticize these delays, warning that weakening or postponing climate commitments damages the EU's credibility and hampers efforts vital for economic growth, energy security, and global leadership.

The EU faces difficulties in meeting its climate goals amid geopolitical and economic challenges, which complicate consensus among member states.

Discussions are further complicated by differing timelines proposed by member states, with some suggesting separate targets for 2035 and 2040, potentially weakening overall commitments.

The European Commission is under pressure from the UN to submit updated climate commitments by September 30, 2025, to be included in global assessments before the COP30 summit in Brazil.

Experts stress the urgency for the EU to submit clear climate targets to motivate other countries, as only 28 out of 196 nations have submitted new commitments so far.

Global geopolitical tensions, including the US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the stance of petrostates like Russia and Saudi Arabia, threaten to undermine collective climate efforts ahead of COP30.

The leaked draft suggests a linear path from 2030 to 2040, which experts say delays necessary near-term actions and is not aligned with the 1.5°C climate target, raising concerns about policy adequacy.

Internal divisions within the EU, with some member states pushing for weaker or delayed targets, will be addressed at a crucial ministerial meeting on September 18, 2025, which requires unanimity.

Political leaders from France, Germany, Italy, and Hungary are expected to push for weaker targets or delays, risking a dilution of the EU's climate commitments.

The hesitation and delays in setting firm targets reflect broader uncertainties about the EU's leadership role and effectiveness in global climate efforts.

The EU aims to present new emission reduction targets at COP30 in Brazil scheduled for November 10, 2025, but has yet to finalize a definitive 2035 goal.