Key facts
- Spain, Portugal, and Luxembourg are calling for new EU renewable energy targets for 2040.
- The three nations cited geopolitical uncertainties and dependence on imported fossil fuels as reasons for accelerating clean energy.
- The EU's current binding target for renewable energy in its energy mix is at least 42.5% by 2030.
- The share of renewables in EU energy consumption was 26.2% in 2025.
- The EU has a legally binding emissions reduction target of 90% by 2040 relative to 1990.
- SolarPower Europe stated that solar power has saved the EU over 30 billion euros in gas imports since the start of the Middle East conflict.
Spain, Portugal, and Luxembourg have formally requested the European Union to establish binding renewable energy targets for the year 2040. The three member states argue that setting such goals would accelerate the bloc's transition to clean energy, thereby reducing its reliance on imported fossil fuels and insulating it from geopolitical disruptions.
In a letter addressed to European Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, the energy ministers of the three nations emphasized that a 2040 renewable energy target would provide a crucial signal to investors and markets. The EU currently has a binding renewable energy target of at least 42.5% for its energy mix by 2030, with renewables accounting for 26.2% of energy consumption in 2025. For 2040, the EU has an emissions reduction target of 90% compared to 1990 levels, but no specific renewable energy goal.
This call follows similar appeals made in June by renewable energy associations and clean energy stakeholders, who urged the EU to implement binding 2040 targets and supportive policies to bolster energy security, industrial competitiveness, and investor certainty. SolarPower Europe noted that solar power has already saved the EU more than 30 billion euros ($34 billion) in gas imports for power generation since the start of the Middle East conflict. However, the industry body also warned that weakening policy support could lead to a slight contraction in solar deployment in the EU this year.