From green goals to ground realities
As the EU remains deadlocked over its 2040 emissions goal, the IEA has tempered its climate rhetoric, forecasting that oil and gas will continue growing over the coming decades
The European Commission proposed an amendment to the EU Climate Law on 2 July introducing a binding target of a 90% net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared with 1990 levels. Since then, progress has stalled. EU environment ministers failed to reach consensus on the proposal during a meeting on 12 September, deferring the decision to the EU leaders’ summit scheduled for 23–24 October. On 18 September, the Environment Council adopted a “statement of intent” outlining a post-2030 Nationally Determined Contribution with a 2035 emissions-reduction range of 66.25–72.5% versus 1990 levels. The range aligns with existing legislation and the proposed 2040 goal but remains non-bindi
Also in this section
6 February 2026
The long close relationship between key supplier Qatar and pivotal buyer Japan becomes even deeper following new landmark deal
6 February 2026
Partnerships across the LNG value chain have evolved over time, growing in both complexity and importance, according to panellists at LNG2026
6 February 2026
Nigeria's mega-refinery is still trying to solve many challenges, all while its owner talks up expansion
5 February 2026
While broadly supportive of EU efforts to tackle methane emissions, representatives of the gas industry warn it could deter supply contracting if timelines and compliance requirements are not made more pragmatic
