EU weighs outsourcing chunk of emission cuts to poorer nations
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A loophole in the EU’s new climate target could allow the bloc to outsource pollution cuts to poorer nations on a scale greater than the annual emissions of France and Belgium combined, according to a document seen by POLITICO.
The European Commission’s proposed 2040 goal of a 90 percent emissions cut permits countries to buy international carbon credits. While officials avoided giving figures, an internal analysis presented to EU governments in July suggested the bloc may need to offset between 140 million and 430 million metric tons of emissions by 2040. France emitted around 340 million tons in 2023, while Belgium released under 100 million.
Each ton represents a credit, and at today’s market rates — Switzerland pays about $40 per credit — the bill could run into the billions. Officials say the EU should avoid cheap credits sold under €10, adding further uncertainty over costs.
Advisers have criticised the plan, warning that billions spent abroad would not be available to decarbonise Europe’s heavy industries in the 2030s. The scale of the scheme is also unclear, creating political challenges as EU governments and Parliament face pressure to finalise the 2040 target in the months ahead.
