T&E demands binding 2040 renewable target as EU transport emissions flatline in 2025

**TL;DR:** Transport & Environment urges the EU to set a binding 2040 renewable energy target after transport emissions flatlined in 2025.

**Context:** EU transport emissions showed no improvement in 2025. While shipping emissions declined, gains were erased by rising aviation emissions and stagnant car emissions. The data underscores the difficulty of decarbonizing a sector that accounts for the bloc's largest share of greenhouse gas output.

**Key Facts:** EU transport emissions flatlined in 2025. Car emissions plateaued at current levels, and aviation emissions increased—movements that canceled out reductions from shipping. Transport & Environment (T&E) responded by recommending a binding EU renewable-only target for 2040. The group argues the target would reduce the bloc's dependence on energy imports while meeting climate commitments. T&E also called for phasing out first-generation food and feed crops from the renewable energy framework to avoid competing with food security and contributing to land use change. The recommendation aligns with existing CO2 regulations for aviation, shipping, and cars.

**What It Means:** The EU must decide whether to strengthen its Renewable Energy Directive for the post-2030 period. A binding 2040 target would create a clear decarbonization pathway and stronger demand signals for renewable electricity across transport, industry, heating, and buildings. Phasing out first-generation feedstocks would address concerns about indirect land use change while maintaining regulatory consistency across sectors. Watch whether the European Commission incorporates these recommendations into its upcoming framework proposal.