The EU NDC has limped in, with a headline target of 90 per cent emissions reduction by 2040, but at the cost of get out clauses on flexibility, energy prices and national circumstances.

Reaching an agreement is an achievement, and essential to shore up the EU’s credibility ahead of COP30 and was agreed with only two countries opposing and two abstaining. However, all deals come at a price, and this one allows degrees of flexibility that might be misused. Get out of jail free cards that should not be played.

Elisa Giannelli, programme lead of EU politics at E3G, said: “The flexibilities built into the final text are designed to help governments navigate uncertainty, but it would be a mistake to use them as shortcuts. The EU cannot afford to lose sight of the primary objective: reducing emissions cost-effectively and fairly, so the transition delivers real benefits for citizens and the economy.”

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