This week, the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) presented a proposal to amend the Climate Law, setting the EU’s net greenhouse gas reduction target for 2040. The draft calls for a 90% cut compared to 1990 levels, representing a major risk to Europe’s competitiveness. Viktória Ferenc, representative of the Fidesz-KDNP party and member of the Patriots for Europe group, stated: “The European Parliament and the Member States are divided, and serious concerns have been raised.”

The proposal immediately sparked a lively debate in the European Parliament, particularly regarding its economic and social consequences, as the costs of a forced transition would ultimately be borne by families.

Without technological neutrality, there can be no fair transition. The role of nuclear energy must be acknowledged, especially in Member States like Hungary. As many have pointed out, the 90% net emissions reduction is excessive. We need a target that is pragmatic, economically sound, and capable of strengthening Europe’s competitiveness—not one that drives the European Union further into the Commission’s green ideological cul-de-sac.

Regarding the debate, Viktória Ferenc stated: “It is time to acknowledge reality: the European Commission’s current green policy direction has failed. We cannot support a 2040 target that lacks political accountability and forces an unachievable transition on businesses and citizens. The target is too high, and the details are vague, while meaningful dialogue is still absent. Once again, it is the European citizens and businesses who bear the consequences. We have already paid the price: high energy costs, uncompetitive industries, and lagging sectors.”

In the European Parliament, the Patriots for Europe group will appoint its rapporteur for the amending legislation.