The letter warns that opening the EU’s climate target to international offsets risks weakening domestic ambition, delaying the green transition, and undermining Europe’s global climate leadership. The signatories call on EU institutions to adopt a science-based, at least net 90% (preferably higher) domestic reduction target for 2040, in line with the advice of the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC) and the European Commission Impact Assessment. 

“The EU has the means, responsibility and legal obligation to deliver its climate targets through domestic action,” said Chiara Martinelli, Director at Climate Action Network Europe. “Outsourcing emission reductions would weaken the EU’s economy, climate credibility, and diplomatic leadership.”

Including such credits would:

• Weaken domestic climate ambition
• Delay the green transition
• Undermine Europe’s credibility and leadership
• Carry major environmental and human rights risks
• Drain public resources from necessary domestic investment

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Link

CAN Europe (11.06.2025): Open letter against international credits integration into the EU 2040 climate target and NDC

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