EU to Support Five-Year Targets at COP26 Climate Talks, Reports Reuters

By Kate Abnett

BRUSSELS – The European Union reached an agreement on Wednesday to support five-year climate targets at the COP26 climate change conference, where nations will strive to finalize the rules essential for implementing the Paris Agreement.

During the COP26 summit, taking place in Glasgow from October 31 to November 12, countries will attempt to resolve protracted discussions on technical regulations. One critical topic will be whether nations’ climate targets under the 2015 Paris accord should adhere to a "common timeframe."

On Wednesday, environment ministers from EU member states expressed their support for the establishment of climate targets every five years. However, some countries, such as Poland, advocated for the option to set 10-year targets.

The EU plans to communicate its preference for five-year targets "only if all parties are required to do so and in accordance with European climate law," according to a statement from the ministers.

This EU decision strengthens the negotiating position of the United States, various African nations, and small island states, all of which back five-year climate commitments. They argue that a shorter cycle would maintain pressure on countries to establish ambitious targets and help monitor whether they are effectively reducing emissions to avoid catastrophic climate consequences. Concerns have been raised that 10-year commitments could allow countries with less ambitious climate goals to go unchecked for an entire decade.

Countries like China and India stand against the concept of a unified timeframe.

While setting a Paris Agreement pledge every five years would not alter the EU’s legally binding targets for emissions reductions by 2030 and 2050, the EU is also expected to establish a 2040 emissions reduction target. For instance, the EU could propose a 2035 climate pledge to the U.N., estimating the necessary emissions level for that year to stay aligned with its 2040 objective.