MEP Ondřej Knotek on Thursday, 4 September, tabled a motion to reject the Commission’s proposal to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 90 percent by 2040. Mr Knotek, who earlier this year was nominated rapporteur for this legislation, faced fierce criticism from other MEPs including accusations that he ignores climate reality and serves Russian interests.
“As you know, I have proposed to reject the Commission’s proposal regarding the 2040 climate target (…) This step is supported by a broad array of stakeholders including employers and employees,” MEP Ondřej Knotek (Patriots, CZE) said at the meeting of Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI). “The Commission wants to set commitments that no one else in the world has. Our citizens and industry would be badly affected while the global climate will not be saved,” Mr Knotek added.
The Commission wants to set commitments that no one else in the world has. – MEP Ondřej Knotek (Patriots, CZE)
The European Commission had proposed the new climate target — based on a 90 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels — in July 2025. In a surprising turn of events, MEP Knotek was appointed as the European Parliament’s rapporteur for the file.
The Commission submitted the proposal despite reservations from some member states which demanded postponing such a step. For the first time, the 2040 climate target would allow EU countries to use so-called carbon credits for environmental projects in countries outside the EU to meet the target.
“Not obsessed with numbers, but rejection impossible”
Influential MEP Peter Liese (EPP, GER) in reaction to Mr Knotek speech admitted that there are various discussions and different positions regarding the 2040 climate target within the European People’s Party (EPP). Mr Liese, however, underlined that his faction (the strongest in the Parliament) does not support rejecting the Commission’s proposal. “We want to be constructive, the green transition must continue,” Mr Liese explained.
He also said that EPP is “not obsessed with numbers” indicating that the faction would be open to discussions whether the 2040 climate target could be somewhat lower than 90 per cent emission reduction.
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“Thank you for showing your true colours”
Some other MEPs were less polite when reacting to Mr Knotek’s speech. “Your proposal is completely irresponsible and extremely dangerous for the European economy, for our children and grandchildren as they could be exposed to a planet where it would be impossible to live,” said MEP Javi López (S&D/ SPA). He accused the rapporteur of living in ideological dogma and in denial of science.
There is at least one man who loves your report, and his name is Vladimir Putin. – MEP Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (S&D, FRA)
“Thank you, Mr Knotek. Thank you for showing your true colours: negation of science, climate chaos, and human suffering. That is what you are advocating (….) I know at least one man who loves your report, and his name is Vladimir Putin,” said Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (S&D, FRA) referring to the fact that phasing out fossil fuels will also mean stop purchasing oil and gas from Russia. “Given the close ties between the Patriots and the Kremlin, we understand why you are here,” added Mr Pellerin-Carlin, followed by an applause.
There were a few voices supporting MEP Knotek’s stance, too. Anna Zalewska (ECR/POL) argued that adoption of the 2040 climate target would harm the Polish and European economy. Anja Arndt (ESN/ GER) said that the Commission’s proposal should be rejected “because already the existing climate legislation rises the cost of living to unbearable levels”. She also questioned the influence of humans on global increase of temperature.
