European managers are asking Europe to confirm its Climate goals
EU Environment Ministers will meet on 4 November 2025 to agree on an ambitious 2040 climate target and confirm the Union’s next Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) ahead of the United Nations COP30 in Belém, CEC European Managers strongly welcomes this renewed political commitment to the Paris Agreement and Europe’s global leadership in climate action.
In Brussels, Ministers will aim to reach a general approach on the revised European Climate Law to establish a binding intermediate climate target for 2040, including the Commission‘s proposed 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to 1990 levels, as part of the post-2030 framework.
They will also seek to formally approve the EU’s updated NDC for submission to the UNFCCC ahead of COP30, reaffirming Europe’s firm engagement in a just and climate-neutral transition.
This political momentum directly aligns with the vision and leadership demonstrated by European managers.
On 16 October, CEC European Managers formally adopted the CEC Climate Leadership Pledge, unanimously endorsed by the General Assembly.
Through this initiative, Europe’s managers reaffirm their commitment to supporting the EU ambition of becoming a global leader in the green transition and explicitly back the EU’s 2040 target of a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
Representing more than one million managers across Europe, CEC European Managers emphasises that leadership will be decisive in translating climate ambition into concrete results for companies, workers, and society.
The Pledge calls on managers to drive innovation, embed sustainability in strategic decision-making, build resilient and future-ready organisations, and ensure that the transition remains fair, competitive, and socially just.
From left to right: Maxime Legrand (CEC European Managers President) with Ursula von der Leyen (President of the European Commission)
“Managers are uniquely positioned to transform Europe’s climate ambition into concrete results. Our Climate Leadership Pledge reaffirms our commitment to equipping leaders with the mindset, skills, and responsibility needed to drive sustainable growth and social progress.”
Maxime Legrand
President of CEC European Managers
The Pledge promotes the integration of climate and sustainability into business strategy, the prioritisation of people-centred transition pathways, ethical leadership, responsible innovation, and strong partnerships for sustainable development.
“The green transition will be a decisive competitive factor for European companies, strengthening the EU both economically and geopolitically.”
Torkild Justesen
Secretary General
CEC European Managers will present the Pledge at COP30, contributing the voice of European managers to global climate diplomacy.
At a time when Europe is preparing to set its long-term climate trajectory, managers are ready to support implementation, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and ensure that sustainability and innovation go hand in hand.
