About: ETS

How the coronavirus outbreak affects the EU’s 2030 climate targets

Ultimately, the coronavirus pandemic may slow down initial plans to adopt the European Climate Law and a number of other climate-related policy proposals, writes Robert Jeszke.

EU should scrap emissions trading scheme, Polish official says

The European Union should scrap its Emissions Trading System or exempt Poland from the scheme, which helps combat global warming, to free up funds for Warsaw to fight the effects of the coronavirus, a senior Polish official said.

Extending EU carbon market must not hinder more urgent reforms

The European Commission’s proposal to include new sectors in the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is not expected to significantly reduce emissions but could risk the stability of the EU’s carbon market and the decarbonisation of the power sector, argue Outi Haanperä and Verena Graichen.

Achieving 1.5°C warming goal requires rapid reform of EU carbon market

To deliver quick results at least political cost, the European Commission should focus on two measures when revising the EU Emissions Trading Scheme: strengthening the cap and enhancing the Market Stability Reserve (MSR), write Mari Pantsar and Outi Haanperä.

Road transport in the EU ETS: A high-risk, low-reward strategy

The Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is not a good instrument to cut road transport emissions because it will raise petrol prices and fuel popular discontent, as seen in the past with the ‘Gilets Jaunes’ protests, writes William Todts. Road emissions...

UN agency vote complicates EU’s aviation emission efforts

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a United Nations agency, decided on Friday (4 October) to press ahead with plans to make its emissions offsetting scheme the only global option available to its 193 member states, teeing up a dilemma regarding the EU's own system.

German corporations divided on carbon price

In a debate on the potential introduction of a carbon price, an increasing number of German company associations are voicing their thoughts. Some fear their competitiveness would take a hit, while others are excited about new business opportunities. EURACTIV Germany reports.

Why we need more than just the EU carbon market to tackle industrial pollution

Latest data shows that the market-based solution alone is not enough to cut carbon pollution from heavy industry in line with the Paris Agreement goals. A new industrial policy mix is needed to ensure Europe is on a pathway to net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, writes Agnese Ruggiero.

Parliament rubber-stamps Europe’s 2030 clean energy laws

The European Parliament voted on Tuesday (13 November) a set of three clean energy laws for 2030, including binding targets for renewable energies, an indicative objective on energy savings and a separate text on the governance of the Energy Union.

An EU anti-smog fund for Poland

Poland has some of the worst air quality in the EU. But fighting smog is expensive. The Modernisation Fund set up as part of the Emissions Trading Scheme could help here, writes Joanna Maćkowiak-Pandera.

Carbon prices seen hitting €55 in 2030, hastening ‘major’ coal-to-gas switch

EU carbon prices are set to double by 2021 and could quadruple to €55 a tonne by 2030 if the European Union aligns its emissions targets with the Paris Agreement on climate change, according to a new report published on Thursday (26 April).

Ministers highlight European divide over carbon price floor

While France is pushing for the implementation of a carbon price floor at EU level and is looking for allies in the bloc, Poland sees energy storage technologies as key to a successful European climate policy.

China launches largest carbon market in the world

China launched what will become the world’s largest carbon market on Tuesday (19 December), surpassing the EU’s flagship market mechanism to cap and trade emissions. The scheme is part of a host of major policies China is using to peak its GHGs by 2030.

Carbon markets back in vogue at COP23

Carbon markets have become a vital piece of common ground for defenders of the climate. The tool is gradually extending around the world, bringing with it higher revenues. EURACTIV France reports.

Franco-German tandem under pressure to lead climate action

French and German NGOs have asked Brune Poirson and Jochen Flasbarth – state secretaries for the environment in France and Germany, respectively - to make the tandem “the engine of an ambitious European climate policy.”

EU and California to discuss linking carbon markets

The EU and California are beginning talks to potentially create a common carbon market that could also include China.

EU at impasse before final push to clinch carbon market reform

EU negotiators are split over the uses of a new clean technology fund ahead of talks on carbon market reforms on Wednesday (8 November), with the bloc keen for a deal this week to show leadership at UN climate talks in Bonn.

Carbon market reform: Much ado about nothing?

The European Parliament and several member states, including France, have excluded new coal plants from future financing under the EU’s reformed carbon market. EURACTIV France reports.

Activists denounce EU’s ‘double-faced’ climate policy

Loopholes in a draft EU law aimed at curbing global warming emissions from transport, buildings and agriculture will result in a mere 23% cut by 2030 instead of the 30% originally foreseen, environmental activists have warned, denouncing a cynical ploy by EU member states to dodge their pledges made under the Paris Agreement.

Poland wins bigger coal transition funds in reformed ETS

The European Union has offered Poland more room to subsidise the coal transition in ongoing talks on reforming the Emissions Trading System (ETS), the EU’s flagship instrument to fight global warming, a move that sent alarm bells ringing among environmentalists.

Oil refiners warn increased CO2 costs could force them out of Europe

Petroleum refiners have teamed up with other energy-intensive industries to warn about EU plans to hike the cost of emitting carbon dioxide, echoing previous warnings about "carbon leakage" which critics say have failed to materialise.

Smoke, mirrors and coal dust  

Making coal power look like a worthy candidate for taxpayer support in a Europe moving to low carbon generation is no easy trick. A recent study tried to pull off this illusion and failed miserably, explains Dave Jones.

Jail terms for French carbon trading scammers

A top fraudster behind a tax scam in France using EU carbon emission rights was sentenced to nine years in prison Wednesday (13 September) as authorities press ahead with prosecutions over the €1.6 billion scandal.