Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced plans to adjust key green laws to secure support for a new climate target. In a letter circulated to national leaders on Monday, von der Leyen outlined proposals to modify the EU’s carbon pricing and existing climate targets for forests, among other areas. This announcement comes just days before EU leaders are set to debate the bloc’s new emissions-reduction target for 2040 at the European Council summit.

According to Emirates News Agency, von der Leyen’s letter defended the upcoming target and emphasized the necessity of a decarbonized economy for Europe’s future competitiveness. She suggested that achieving this goal might mean leaving some sectors behind, stating, “If a robust, resilient, sustainable and innovative economy is our goal, then dogmatically clinging to our existing business models, whatever their past successes, is not the solution.” Von der Leyen’s Commission has proposed an ambitious target of reducing planet-warming emissions by up to 90 percent below 1990 levels by 2040, with the caveat that countries can outsource up to 3 percentage points of this goal through carbon credits from other nations.

The letter also addressed a key demand from governments to adjust the new carbon price on transport and heating, which has been controversial due to its potential to increase fuel bills for consumers. The Commission is considering implementing a ‘more robust price stabilisation system’ and exploring options to provide additional support for households affected by these higher costs.

Furthermore, von der Leyen acknowledged some governments’ concerns about the EU’s current carbon price on heavy-polluting industries such as steel. She promised a ‘realistic and feasible’ future trajectory, though she did not provide specific details. Additionally, she mentioned planned changes to the EU’s targets for carbon dioxide absorption by forests and soils, known as LULUCF. Several governments have criticized the current goals as unrealistic due to factors such as increased wildfires and the needs of the forestry industry. Von der Leyen noted, “Already we can see the challenges that several of you are facing. We are working on pragmatic solutions to alleviate these challenges, within the existing LULUCF Regulation.”