But opposition to the 90 percent goal has been growing. Italy’s hard-right government is pushing for the target to be lowered to 80 percent or 85 percent.
Nor is it certain that Germany’s incoming government will back the original figure. The center-right Christian Democratic Union (CDU), which won Feb. 23 federal elections, has not yet supported the target in coalition talks with the center-left Social Democratic Party, according to a draft negotiating text seen by POLITICO. The Social Democrats, however, are pushing to ensure that the goal is part of the coalition agreement.
Most EU countries support the 90 percent goal, said a diplomat from an EU country. But Germany’s position will still be pivotal, the diplomat added, especially as the CDU is the party of both von der Leyen and Manfred Weber, the leader of the EPP group in the European Parliament.
Von der Leyen, who is often referred to as “VDL,” has long tussled with Weber over the bloc’s climate policy.
“The problem here lies with VDL and most importantly Weber — which makes me wonder who’s the real boss between them,” said the diplomat, who was granted anonymity because they are not authorized to speak on the record.
Global ripple effect
The holdup regarding the 2040 target has taken on international significance.
