Emissions trading • Table.Briefings

EU-Klimakommissar Wopke Hoekstra im Gespräch mit Bundesumweltminister Carsten Schneider.

March 26th, 2026

ETS 2: Delay apparently breaks EU law

A legal analysis reveals that postponing the launch of ETS-2 until 2028 breaks EU law. This could also affect the legality of future EU legislation.

By Lukas Knigge

News | Emissions trading

March 25th, 2026

ETS 2: Delay apparently violates EU law

A legal analysis reveals that postponing the launch of ETS-2 until 2028 violates EU law. This could also affect the legality of future EU legislation.

By Lukas Knigge

Feature | EU summit

March 24th, 2026

ETS reform: Unresolved issues after the EU summit decision

At last week’s EU summit, leaders announced measures to curb the sharp rise in energy prices. However, many questions remain unresolved regarding free allowances, the Market Stability Reserve (MSR), and energy taxes.

By Lukas Knigge and Manuel Berkel

Talk of the Town | EU summit

March 20th, 2026

EU summit: ETS revenues must be used to lower energy prices

The summit has adopted measures aimed at easing the sharp rise in energy prices. By the informal summit in April, the Council, Parliament and Commission aim to agree on a roadmap for addressing the 10 key challenges facing the single market.

By Lukas Knigge, Manuel Berkel and Markus Grabitz

Feature | Emissions trading

March 19th, 2026

EU Summit: Energy Crisis Sparks Debate Over the ETS

The energy crisis resulting from the war in Iran has intensified the debate over the European Emissions Trading System. In addition to EU environment ministers, heads of state and government will also address the ETS on Thursday.

By Lukas Knigge

Feature | Emissions trading

March 18th, 2026

Environmental Council: ETS supporters are gaining the upper hand again

The controversial reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) has set the Environmental Council in motion. While some are calling for swift reforms, experts warn against rules that are too lenient. However, there appears to be broad consensus on certain measures.

By Lukas Knigge

Feature | EU climate target 2040

March 6th, 2026

Fair CO₂ budgets: How much Europe’s regions would still be allowed to emit

With the Council’s approval, the European Union’s climate target for 2040 has now been formally adopted. A study by the University of Graz shows how member states could distribute their contributions to emissions reduction across regions according to principles of fairness.

By Lukas Bayer

Carsten Schneider am Rednerpult im Bundestag.

News | Emissions trading

February 23rd, 2026

ETS reform: NGOs criticize Schneider

Environmental organizations accuse German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider of pursuing the wrong approach with his call to extend free CO₂ allowances. The minister, however, aims to ease the burden on the chemical industry by adjusting the benchmarks that determine their allocation under the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS).

By Lukas Knigge

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on stage at the European Industry Summit in Antwerp in 2026.

Feature | Emissions trading

February 19th, 2026

Reform of the Emissions Trading System: The impact of potential adjustments

There is growing debate over possible adjustments and reforms to the European emissions trading framework. A clear-cut solution is not yet in sight. While experts acknowledge the need for changes, they caution that modifications could have repercussions for climate targets and undermine earlier investment decisions.

By Lukas Knigge

Rauchender Schornstein eines Wohnhauses im Winter

News | ETS 2

February 18th, 2026

ETS 2: Scandinavians against postponement

Together with Luxembourg, the Scandinavian are rejecting a postponement of the new CO₂ market for heat and transport. They warn against a weakening of EU climate policy and urge speedy implementation.

By Redaktion Table