Norway is committing to a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, harmonizing its plans with European Union goals.

“The Norwegian climate target will be in line with the overall target to avoid an increase in global average temperature of more than 2º Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels,” said Prime Minister Erna Solberg. She added that the country must take “brave new steps” to reduce emissions that were above the EU average in 2013, 3.7% higher than 1990 levels.

While he called the target “amazingly demanding,” Statoil CEO Eldar Saetre “welcomed the move to increase links with the EU,” RTCC reports. (When the EU set its target, the European Photovoltaic Industry Association called it “a very small step to support the enormous potential” of solar and other renewables.)

“Norway is not a member of the EU, but is part of the bloc’s emissions trading scheme, which covers heavy industry and the power sector,” King writes. “Oslo wants to deepen its integration with the EU’s own 2030 climate framework, enabling it to offset emissions from sectors like agriculture, waste, and transport which are not covered by the ETS, but do come under the EU’s 2030 package.”