Statement from the Coalition for Higher Ambition urging to support a robust and ambitious EU post-2030 climate and energy framework

Ahead of the Environment and Energy Council meetings in October 2026, the Coalition for Higher Ambition is urging EU Member States to support an ambitious climate and energy framework for the post-2030 period. In a joint statement addressed to the EU Presidency and national Environment, Climate and Energy Ministers, the Coalition, co-signed by FEDARENE, sets out its key priorities.

Binding national climate targets must continue

Binding national targets provide the certainty that governments, businesses and investors rely on. They also keep Europe on track towards climate neutrality and an end to fossil fuel dependence. Cutting gross emissions should be a priority. Alongside this, the Coalition wants more done on carbon dioxide removal in the land use (LULUCF) sector and through permanent industrial removals. Each of these should have its own target and pathway. More flexibility must not weaken the integrity and accountability of the targets. Nor should it weaken incentives for mid-term progress in transport, buildings and agriculture.

An ambitious, binding post-2030 energy framework

The statement asks for the EU to keep binding targets on renewable energy and energy efficiency. It also wants renewables-based electrification stepped up and the shift in heating and cooling sped up. National contributions and sector-by-sector pathways should be clear enough to phase out all fossil fuels.

Regarding governance regulation, the Coalition wants shared planning and reporting kept in place, with implementation made simpler through KPIs that reflect local and regional conditions. Mechanisms to close delivery gaps and enforce targets effectively are also needed. Finally, national plans should be linked to local and regional plans and investment needs through strong multilevel governance.

Aligned with 90% by 2040

The policy framework must be able to deliver at least 90% net domestic emission reductions by 2040, compared to 1990 levels. A less ambitious framework would not be aligned with science. It would also risk missing the binding EU 2040 target by relying on international credits of uncertain integrity and availability.

The Signatories:

Association of Cities and Regions for sustainable Resource management (ACR+), Bellona Europa, Climate Action Network (CAN) Europe, Climate KICCouncil of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), European Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (eceee), Environmental Coalition on Standards (ECOS), EKOenergy ecolabel, Eurocities, European Environmental Bureau (EEB), European Industrial Insulation Foundation (EIIF), FEDARENE, Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI Europe), Naturefriends International (NFI), RECS Energy Certificate Association, Solar Heat Europe.