The member countries of the European Union are looking to expand their slate of climate goals over the next half-century. The EU will reportedly add a new goal to reach by 2040, which would give them a milestone to reach each decade until 2050, at which point they aim to be completely carbon neutral.

The group already had a goal set for 2020 and has a further goal set for 2030.

EU members will reportedly begin discussing potential emission-reduction goals within the next week, with the aim to sign a legally binding deal by the end of the year. Germany will lead these talks, as it released the initial proposal for a new 2040 goal to keep the group on track.

“Where it is necessary for the achievement of the climate neutrality objective,” Germany’s proposal read. “A Union-wide climate target for 2040 shall be set.”

The 2040 deadline for the new emission goal is unlikely to be contentious among EU members, Reuters reports.

What might cause some conflict, however, are the terms of the goal and the strictness of the enforcement. Some member countries from Eastern Europe have already raised concerns about the 2050 carbon neutrality goal being unrealistic. In addition to adding a 2040 goal, the German proposal would also make the 2050 goal binding for every member of the EU.

Carbon Emissions
Man-made emissions from burning fossil fuels, building infrastructure, growing crops and transporting goods lock in further warming AFP / Joao Laet
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