Copenhagen, Sept. 19 -- The European Union (EU) environment ministers on Thursday held a policy debate on a proposal to amend the European climate law to establish a binding intermediate climate target for 2040. During the meeting in Brussels, the ministers also discussed the EU's updated 2035 nationally determined contribution (NDC) to be submitted to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ahead of the UN Climate meeting (COP30). The ministers also discussed a "statement of intent" that should provide international clarity about the state of the debate as the EU may not be able to submit its 2035 NDC to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change next week, officials aware of the details said. The NDC may now be expected a few days ahead of COP30. EU has set its climate targets for 2030 and 2050 in regulation establishing the framework for achieving climate neutrality under the European Climate Law. Article 4(3) of the law requires an intermediate 2040 climate target to set the pace for EU-wide reductions of net GHG emissions. "Setting a 2040 target will provide investors and EU businesses with predictability and a clear indication of the transition pathway needed, to drive business decisions and unlock private investment," the EU proposal said. On February 6, 2024, the European Commission published a communication on the Union's climate target for 2040, setting a path from the already agreed intermediate 2030 target to climate neutrality by 2050. "A 90% target puts the EU on the pathway which provides the greatest overall benefits in terms of competitiveness, resilience, independence, autonomy, a just transition and ensuring that the EU meets its commitments under the Paris Agreement..." the proposal, on which ministers debated, added. Countries are expected to present their 2035 targets during the UN's General Assembly in New York on September 24. China is expected to announce its target there. A potential EU official statement with a range, promising to update their NDC once a 2040 target is agreed, is seen as "a clever way forward" for European leaders to "speak with one voice" at the summit, those aware of the matter said. The biggest challenge for the EU though is to build consensus among all 27 EU countries to endorse an ambitious NDC, according to those aware of the matter. Experts have said there is a leadership vacuum this year as US has announced that it will withdraw from the Paris Agreement; EU is still trying to forge consensus on an ambitious NDC as Germany; France and Hungary have not yet come on board they added. People familiar with the matter have indicated that China, which is expected to submit an economy wide NDC, will now take the lead in climate talks....