02.07.2025 - "The EU's new climate target is highly ambitious. A 90 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2040 is unrealistic. The EU's 2030 climate target is already likely to be missed. With an even stricter goal for 2040, Germany would, in effect, need to achieve climate neutrality across energy supply, industry, buildings, and transportation within the next 15 years. Implementing this ambitious target within such a short framework would overwhelm the German economy and lead to a significant decline in value creation and prosperity..

The flexibility mechanism allowing for a three percentage point margin under international climate agreements is reasonable but insufficient in light of this. Moreover, implementing this mechanism remains highly unclear and may prove ineffective for Germany. 

Rather than debating theoretical goals, policymakers should foster an environment where companies can competitively and economically transform their operations. For this, businesses also require greater flexibility from the EU Commission, consistent technology openness, and reduced bureaucracy. Fragmented regulations occupy capacities urgently needed for the practical implementation of the energy transition." 

Last year, the DIHK collaborated with the Association of Municipal Enterprises (VKU) on a study examining the potential impacts of a 90% EU climate target for 2040 on Germany. You can find the study here (only available in German): EU proposal for 2040 climate target overwhelms Germany and Europe