By Abbas Nazil
As European Union ambassadors prepare to meet this week to determine the bloc’s climate strategy ahead of the UN General Assembly, concerns are rising over delays and the possibility of setting weak targets.
The uncertainty follows President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to postpone a final ruling on the EU’s 2040 climate goal, leaving both the 2035 milestone and the updated Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) undecided just weeks before the global deadline.
Environmental advocates warn that rushing into a weak 2035 target could undermine momentum toward a stronger 2040 goal.
Andreas Sieber, Associate Director of Policy and Campaigns at 350.org, criticized the EU’s position, calling it “embarrassing” and warning that locking in low ambition would erode pressure for robust action.
He argued that the EU should instead present a statement of intent at the UN General Assembly, followed by a strong 2040 target in October that could reinforce the interim milestone.
He emphasized that credibility and competitiveness are at stake as Europe experiences record heat, floods, and wildfires that highlight the urgency of ambitious climate action.
Observers note that the EU’s choices this week will be closely watched worldwide, particularly as nations prepare for COP30 in Brazil.
Many believe that Europe’s response will determine whether it maintains a leadership role in keeping global warming within 1.5°C or risks falling behind with insufficient commitments.
Meanwhile, a delegation of twelve EU ambassadors will travel to Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro Region from September 17 to 19, 2025.
The visit aims to strengthen cooperation in agriculture and horticulture while celebrating fifty years of EU-Tanzania partnership.
During the trip, representatives from Member States including Germany, France, Spain, and Sweden will engage with farmers, agribusiness operators, and innovators.
The mission will spotlight EU-funded projects that promote climate-smart agriculture, organic pesticide use, sustainable forestry, and improved post-harvest technologies, showcasing Europe’s investments in resilience and sustainability abroad even as its internal climate policy remains under scrutiny.
