Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has ruled out any revision of the European Climate Law, the Fit for 55 package, or free trade agreements following the retirement of the RCP 8.5 worst-case scenario by its authors, arguing that the scenario never formed the basis of EU legislation. The answer, given on 19 June 2026, responds to a parliamentary question from Markus Buchheit (ESN) submitted on 13 May 2026.
Hoekstra acknowledged that RCP 8.5 is no longer considered plausible, but stressed that the highest-emissions scenario now considered still projects a 3.5°C increase by 2100, with 4°C not ruled out. He reiterated that the EU's goal remains limiting warming to 1.5°C, requiring global net zero emissions. The Commissioner stated that the scenarios underpinning the 2040 target are described in the Commission's impact assessment and that no review of the European Climate Law or related legislation is planned. He also dismissed calls to re-evaluate sustainability clauses in trade agreements or to revise the 2035 ban on internal combustion engine vehicles and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, asserting that the existing measures remain proportionate.
The answer provides no concrete new proposals, numerical targets, or timelines, instead reaffirming existing commitments. It signals a firm policy orientation: the Commission will not alter its climate trajectory based on the updated IPCC scenario, maintaining that current policies are scientifically sound and legally justified. No immediate institutional follow-up is expected beyond ongoing implementation of the Green Deal.