Reducing fossil emissions and increasing carbon sequestration are two key tools in combating global warming. The Swedish Forest Industries Federation (SFIF) view the EU’s ambitious climate target positively. However, many uncertainties remain regarding how the target will be achieved and what consequences it will entail.
SFIF believe that:
- It should be clarified that the 2040 target should largely be achieved through the substitution of fossil-based products and energy, and that wood and wood-based products have significant potential to do that.
- Substitution should be prioritized in the design of legislative proposals, and that national energy and climate plans should include goals, monitoring, and measures for substitution.
- 2040 targets primarily should be realised through policy instruments such as EU-wide emissions trading systems rather than national targets, and that the implementation integrates the protection of industrial competitiveness, contributions to European welfare, and the strengthening of European security.
- The LULUCF targets for 2040 should not counteract the need for substitution and should be realistic and indicative.
2040 climate target
In July 2025, the European Commission proposed an amendment to the climate law to introduce a new target for the year 2040. The target is to reduce the EU’s net greenhouse gas emissions by 90 percent compared to 1990 levels.
This new target builds on previous climate goals – such as reducing emissions by 55 percent by 2030 – and is a step toward making the EU climate neutral by 2050.
