Enviro News Asia, Copenhagen – The Council of the European Union today approved a declaration of intent as a step toward the submission of the EU and its member states’ nationally determined contribution (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
This declaration, which is not an official EU NDC, signals the EU’s intention to submit its post-2030 NDC ahead of COP30, in line with obligations under the Paris Agreement.
Lars Aagaard, Denmark’s Minister for Climate, Energy, and Utilities, stated:
“Today, all 27 member states united in support of the declaration of intent for the EU’s NDC. We will continue to stand together and speak with one clear voice at the United Nations. This demonstrates the EU and its member states’ determination to find solutions and drive global climate action,” he said in the official release of the EU Council on Thursday (September 18, 2025).
The declaration reaffirms the EU’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its objective of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, while highlighting that the EU remains on track to achieve its 55% emission reduction target by 2030. It further underlines that NDCs must reflect progress.
In addition, the EU is expected to submit its NDC before COP30 with an indicative 2035 target of reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by between 66.25% and 72.5% compared with 1990 levels. This range is based on an indicative linear trajectory from the EU’s climate targets for 2030 and 2050 on one side, and from the existing 2030 target and the proposed 2040 target currently under discussion on the other.
This declaration of intent is not an official post-2030 EU NDC and will not be included in the UN NDC registry or synthesis report.
The declaration will be submitted to the UNFCCC Secretariat and the Paris Agreement’s Implementation and Compliance Committee by the Danish presidency and the European Commission on behalf of the EU and its member states. It will provide information on the status of the forthcoming EU NDC and serve as the basis for EU communication at the UN Secretary General’s Climate Summit on September 24, held alongside the UN General Assembly.
The EU aims to submit its updated NDC before COP30, supported by agreement on the EU Climate Law and the 2040 target. The Council of the European Union will continue its work in line with the general political guidance and priorities set by the European Council. (*)
