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Position paper Dutch House of Representatives

CitaatTabel met lichtblauwe achtergrond - tekst vraagt aandacht.

Call for an ambitious and solid climate package for the decade ahead, for the benefit of a level playing field

Introduction

In March 2026, an amended EU climate law entered into force, introducing a binding intermediate EU-wide climate target for 2040 of a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions, compared to 1990 levels. This target complements the existing EU climate target of a 55% reduction by 2030 and the net 2050 climate neutrality objective. The co-legislators decided as well that from 2036 onwards, high-quality international carbon credits may be used up to a limit of 5% of 1990 EU net greenhouse emissions to make an adequate contribution towards the 2040 climate target. This decision gives uncertainty about the domestic reductions needed to meet the 2040 target.

From 2040 target to new climate package (post-2030 climate framework)

The EU climate law aims to ensure that all EU policies contribute to its EU-wide climate targets and that all sectors of the economy and society play their part. As the climate target for 2040 entered into force, the next step is to revise before 2030 the key pieces of legislation delivering on the EU climate targets. The European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change highlighted in this regard, amongst other things, the importance of policy certainty beyond 2030 and accelerating innovation and investment across the EU economy, while using international carbon credits to meet the 2040 target could divert resources from domestic investments. The European Commission stated in its work programme for 2026 it will propose a set of legislative proposals intended to achieve the 2040 climate target. The climate package for the decade ahead will consist of a revision of national targets and flexibilities in the EU climate policy framework as well as an update of the EU emissions trading system for maritime, aviation and stationary installations, and the relevant market stability reserve.

Position of the Dutch House of Representatives

A majority of the Dutch House of Representatives expressed its support to an ambitious and solid climate package for the decade ahead, for the benefit of a level playing field. An ambitious climate package needs to be calibrated on achieving within the EU a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. This will allow the co-legislators to consider, based on an impact assessment, where it is appropriate to make use of international carbon credits including the financial means needed for it, and where the EU should be allocating financial means needed within the EU itself, in order to make the green transition possible for citizens and businesses.¹

The new climate package for the decade ahead also needs to be solid. On the framework conditions for the upcoming climate package, a majority of the Dutch House of Representatives considers feasibility and affordability of great importance, as citizens and businesses need these conditions to be able to make the transition and increase their competitiveness.

Seeking dialogue with other national parliaments

The Dutch House of Representatives invites other national parliaments to consider support for a solid and ambitious climate package, aimed at achieving a 90% reduction in net greenhouse emissions within the EU. The Dutch EU-rapporteur on Climate Policy invites colleagues of other national parliaments as well to discuss, on a bilateral basis, between interested parliaments the new climate package. Such a (video)meeting would also be beneficial to increase mutual understanding of positions.

On behalf of the Dutch House of Representatives,

The EU-rapporteur for Climate Policy,

Felix Klos, Member of Parliament.

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1. A similar position was also expressed by the Dutch government at the Environment Council of 4 November 2025.↩︎