"This is not a serious climate strategy. It is wishful thinking detached from economic and social realities," said Alexandr Vondra, ECR Coordinator in the Environment Committee, reacting to the European Commission’s proposal to cut emissions by 90 per cent by 2040.

“The Commission is putting the cart before the horse – announcing numbers before knowing how to achieve them.” The European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) Group warns that the new target, published today, risks placing unbearable strain on Europe’s productive capacity and undermining the EU’s global competitiveness.

Vondra continued: “Extending the Emissions Trading System to buildings and transport – which is already opposed by 17 Member States – adds complexity to a fragile framework that has not yet delivered on its 2030 goals. A 90 per cent objective could push European industry to the brink.”

The proposal also permits Member States to meet part of the target through international carbon credits from 2036 onwards – a measure allowed under the Paris Agreement, but one that shifts the burden abroad. “Big corporations will buy their way out by investing in projects overseas – while small states and SMEs will carry the real burden. This is a kind of climate colonialism,” Vondra said, slamming the Commission’s approach to outsourcing EU emissions goals.

The Commission additionally proposes integrating permanent carbon removals into the EU climate framework. Although these technologies show long-term promise, the ECR Group notes that they are not economically feasible in the short term and cannot replace clear, achievable policy action.

The ECR Group calls for a more pragmatic and evidence-based approach to future climate legislation – one that balances ambition with economic sustainability, energy security and social cohesion.