On 2 July, the European Commission presented its proposed greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction target for 2040, setting a binding goal of a 90% reduction compared to 1990 levels. This target forms a key milestone on the European Union’s pathway to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The proposal includes cross-sectoral flexibilities and underscores the critical role of implementing the Clean Industrial Deal in full to deliver the EU’s climate ambitions.
In response to this policy milestone, the European cement industry—represented by CEMBUREAU—has reaffirmed its own commitment to climate neutrality through the publication of its Net Zero Roadmap. The sector sets a conditional ambition of reducing emissions by 78% by 2040, relative to 1990 levels. This target builds on project developments spanning the full cement and concrete value chain and across diverse geographies in Europe.
CEMBUREAU welcomed the Commission’s emphasis on industrial transformation, highlighting the urgent need for an enabling regulatory environment. The association supports the swift execution of the Clean Industrial Deal, advocating for a regulatory framework that is targeted, measured, and proportionate to industry needs.
As part of its strategy, CEMBUREAU is developing a “Cement Action Plan” aligned with its Roadmap. The plan will address key regulatory levers highlighted in the Commission’s communication:
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Electricity Costs: With European electricity prices significantly higher than in other major economies, CEMBUREAU urges reforms to alleviate levies and revisit the marginal pricing system to ensure competitiveness and support the adoption of breakthrough technologies.
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Infrastructure Development: The cement sector calls for accelerated development of energy and CO₂ transport networks, emphasizing the need for coordinated policies to guarantee fair access and commercial viability for industrial players.
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CBAM Effectiveness: CEMBUREAU points to the sharp increase in cement imports and decline in exports over the past decade. It advocates for stronger anti-circumvention measures within the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), continued free allowances for exports, and predictable investment conditions.
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Post-2040 EU ETS Clarity: The association welcomes the proposed use of international carbon credits after 2036 for process emissions and calls for the inclusion of domestic permanent removals and negative emissions concepts under EU ETS to address biogenic CO₂ storage.
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Financing the Transition: CEMBUREAU stresses the importance of direct funding mechanisms, de-risking tools, and streamlined access to finance. It supports recent developments such as the CID State Aid Framework and Industrial Decarbonisation Bank but emphasizes the need for robust grant support and government guarantees.
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Public Procurement Reform: The development of lead markets for low-carbon products is identified as essential. CEMBUREAU calls for coherence across ETS, product legislation, carbon removals, and environmental product declarations (EPDs) to boost demand for sustainable materials.
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Alternative Fuels Access: Highlighting the sector’s shift from 2% to 58% use of alternative fuels since 1990, the industry requests simplified access to (bio)waste streams to ensure supply security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels.
CEMBUREAU reiterated its readiness to engage in strategic dialogue with the Commission to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the measures needed to decarbonize the cement industry.
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Source: CEMBUREAU Press Release and https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_25_1687
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