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European Union

Latvia Expresses Concerns Over EU's 2040 Climate Target Proposal

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The European Commission (EC) and the Danish Presidency are set to submit amendments to the European Climate Law regarding the 2040 climate target for approval at the Council of Environment Ministers of the European Union (EU) meeting on September 18. However, Latvia has expressed concerns over the proposal, citing that it does not fully take into account national interests. Latvia's Minister of Climate and Energy, Kaspars Melnis, emphasized that the country cannot agree to a 90% reduction in emissions by 2040, as there are still many uncertainties. Latvia's priorities include maintaining the status of wood chips and firewood as green fuels, ensuring the country's ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating risks to food production and security of supply.

Key Takeaways:

  • Latvia has expressed concerns over the EC's proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040 compared to 1990, citing that it does not fully take into account national interests.
  • Latvia's Minister of Climate and Energy, Kaspars Melnis, emphasized that the country cannot agree to a 90% reduction in emissions by 2040 due to uncertainties.
  • Latvia's priorities include maintaining the status of wood chips and firewood as green fuels, ensuring the country's ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigating risks to food production and security of supply.
  • Latvia advocates for a targeted and flexible climate policy that meets national interests, emphasizing the need for the EC to take into account the EU's progress towards achieving the 2030 goals, the impact on the national economy, and other influencing factors.
  • Latvia also calls for a reduction in the administrative burden in GHG emission accounting processes and a clear definition of how the financial instruments of the EU budget will be used to reduce GHG emissions.
  • Latvia's Minister of Climate and Energy, Kaspars Melnis, has held discussions with EU Climate Commissioner Vopki Hoekstra and sectoral ministry representatives to prepare Latvia's position on the proposal.

Statistics:

  • 90%: The proposed reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990.
  • 1990: The base year for the proposed reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
  • 2040: The target year for achieving the proposed reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
  • 2030: The target year for achieving the EC's current emissions reduction targets (55%).
  • 55%: The EC's current emissions reduction targets.
  • 60%: The proportion of green biomass (wood chips and firewood) used for heating in Latvia.

Sources:

  • Dobele Municipality, Latvia - news release (date not specified)
  • European Commission (EC) - proposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions (July 2, 2023)
  • Cabinet meeting of the Latvian government (July 8, 2023)
  • Informal meeting of EU environment ministers (July 10-11, 2023)

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