18 EU countries now support 2050 carbon neutrality goal

(EurActiv, 17 Jun 2019) Germany, Greece, Italy and Slovenia have added their names to a growing list of EU countries supporting a carbon neutrality objective for 2050, increasing the chances that a deal will be struck at an EU summit later this week, according to documents seen by EURACTIV.

EU leaders could give their blessing to a proposed long-term climate strategy during a European Council summit in Brussels, taking place Thursday and Friday (20-21 June).

Eighteen of the EU’s 28 members are now ready support the European Commission’s proposed carbon neutrality objective for 2050, according to documents obtained by EURACTIV.

This is up from just eight countries during a March summit, which had exposed an East-West divide on the matter. 

Momentum could continue to build ahead of Thursday, where the Commission’s strategy will feature on an agenda that is mostly focused on doling out top institutional jobs.

Indications last week suggested there would be no agreement on the plan. A draft summit statement, seen by EURACTIV, said EU leaders would return to the issue in late 2019, with the intention of finalising a deal “in early 2020”.

Germany and Italy on board

But now that Germany is on board, according to a leaked position seen by EURACTIV, a green light for the plan looks more plausible.

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EurActiv, 17 Jun 2019: 18 EU countries now support 2050 carbon neutrality goal