European Commission confirms amendment to EU Emissions Trading System

European Commission stated (03-Feb-2017) it is amending the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) making it fit for tackling CO2 emissions from aviation. This follows an agreement by ICAO to stabilise international aviation emissions. The European Commission noted a revision of the EU Emissions Trading System is needed to maintain the contribution of the aviation sector to the European climate objectives and for the smooth implementation of the ICAO Global Market-Based Measure. The Commission is proposing to continue with the current geographic scope of the EU Emissions Trading System for aviation, covering flights between airports in the European Economic Area. This will ensure a level playing field and equal treatment of all airlines flying in Europe. EC Commissioner for Climate Action and Energy Miguel Arias Cañete said: "With this proposal we are making sure that the aviation sector also contributes to our climate objectives. Now, we call on countries around the world to participate in the global scheme from the beginning and help us finalise and implement sound environmental criteria to deliver real emissions reductions in the aviation sector". [more - original PR] [more - original PR II] [more - original PR IACA] [more - original PR German]