Denmark raises climate ambitions with new 2035 target proposal

Denmark proposes a new 2035 climate target of 82–85% emissions reduction, reinforcing its global leadership. With DKK 4 billion in annual funding, the move balances ambition with competitiveness and prepares the ground for post-COP30 political negotiations.

By State of Green | [email protected]

17 November 2025

Update

The 18’th of December, the Danish Ministry for Climate, Energy and Utilities, officially set the climate target for 2035 at 82% reduction in CO2 emissions, making it one of the highest reduction goals in the world. This decision follows extensive negotiations and comes with a commitment to fund the transition with EUR 500 million annually starting in 2034.

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The Danish Government has unveiled a proposal for one of the most ambitious national climate targets in the world, setting a new benchmark for 2035 that would see emissions reduced by 82 to 85 percent compared to 1990 levels.

The move reinforces Denmark’s long-term climate trajectory, aiming for climate neutrality by 2045 and a 110 percent reduction by 2050, meaning the country will absorb more CO₂ than it emits.

Denmark must consistently remain among the most ambitious countries, and a new target for 2035 ensures that we remain right at the top internationally. We must once again show the rest of the world that it is possible to balance ambitious climate goals with a competitive business sector and social cohesion. We have to prioritise climate action even in a time marked by war and conflict. Six years of experience with the current Climate Act have also given us important insights into what it actually takes to reach the goals we set. That is why the new target must, this time, be accompanied by a clear responsibility for delivering on it. Targets, financing, and the measures needed to secure the additional reductions must go hand in hand.
– Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, Lars Aagaard.

To support the target, the government is ready to allocate DKK 4 billion annually. This funding level would make it technically possible to reach the 82 percent target through subsidies alone.

Earlier this year, Denmark confirmed that it is on track to meet its 70 percent reduction target for 2030, a milestone that builds confidence in the country’s ability to deliver on future goals.

It’s simply due diligence that we’re already setting aside funding for an 82 percent target. That’s our baseline. After COP30, I’ll begin negotiations with the other parties so we can determine together where the target should be set. The Danish Government is open to consider a higher target, but that depends on the will to take shared responsibility for both the ambition and the financing.

Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, Lars Aagaard.

With six years of implementation experience under its Climate Act, Denmark is now integrating lessons learned into this next phase of its climate policy, ensuring that targets, financing, and measures move forward in unison.

Read the full press release here.