Portugal has proposed that its investments in green projects within its former colonies be counted toward meeting its share of the European Union’s 2040 climate targets. The idea expands on current talks among EU member states about including regulated international carbon credits in national emissions accounting.
According to the European Commission, a formal plan is being prepared to set a binding target for a 90% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared with 1990 levels. While some member states support using international carbon credits to help reach that goal, Portugal’s push to include projects in its former colonies adds a new twist to the debate.
The proposal is expected to fuel broader discussions on how far international projects should count toward domestic climate commitments. As the EU finalizes its climate strategy, striking a balance between domestic reductions and global green investments will remain a key challenge for negotiators.
