"We will set NDC targets for 2035 and 2040 ahead of COP30 in Belem," Ursula von der Leyen said via video message at an EU event in Brussels.
Countries climate targets are referred to as "nationally determined contributions" by the United Nations.
Von der Leyen recognized the need for pragmatism given member country disagreements over the objectives, even as he attempted to pressure EU nations to reach a decision.
"There will be a difference in how we accomplish these goals. The world has evolved. International competition is intense and not always equitable.
By sticking to the plan, we give workers stability, businesses clarity, and investors certainty, but we also need more flexibility and pragmatism," she stated.
Von der Leyen stated that Brussels was reducing red tape to assist companies in the green transition, that Europe would stick to its climate goals, and that it was investing in power grids to ensure that consumers would benefit from the lower costs of renewable energy.
However, economies have stagnated, Europe has prioritised defense spending, and some EU members have pushed the Commission to slow down its green agenda as US President Donald Trump has attempted to spearhead a shift away from climate action.
The willingness of major economies to keep up their efforts will be put to the test at the COP30 climate talks in Belem, Brazil.
Some people don't think the EU will agree on its goals in time. At a summit in late October, nations like France, Germany, and Poland have called on governments to discuss the climate goals.
Member states will then have just a few weeks to complete and approve the targets prior to COP30.
"I'm not sure if we'll arrive in Belem in time. At the moment, it depends on a lot of different factors," a senior Polish official stated.
