European Parliament: ETS exception for intercontinental flights passed, needs more progress in ICAO

European Parliament Environment Committee member Peter Liese said (26-Feb-2013) a proposal temporarily to suspend the EU CO2 Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for intercontinental flights, so as to enable International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) to agree worldwide measures, was backed by the parliament. The European Parliament stressed that this exception to the ETS is conditional upon progress at the ICAO and earmarked ETS revenues for efforts to tackle climate change. The ETS will continue to apply to flights between EU airports. Mr Liese said the vote is a " clear signal that the European Union wants an international solution. There are no more excuses for third countries not to engage in the issue. Third countries have given the impression that it is the European Union that stands in the way, but we shall see if they have enough commitment." In their amendments, members of the European Parliament said that the exception made for intercontinental flights should apply for a maximum of one year, which could be prolonged only if clear and sufficient progress is made within the ICAO. They added ICAO should agree on a global system instead, with a realistic timetable for applying it. A plenary vote is to be taken during the next session in Strasbourg, to be held from 15-Apr-2013. [more - original PR]