ETS 2 • 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

Container terminal and coal fired power plant at Rotterdam harbour

Feature | CO₂ compensation

March 26th, 2026

Emissions trading: The Commission faces a tough reform

Last week, the member states tasked the European Commission with revising ETS 1. However, it must proceed with caution so as not to undermine the system’s very foundations.

By Lukas Knigge and Alex Veit

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

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

Familyphoto of the informal environment council in Nikosia in February 2026

Feature | Environmental Council

February 9th, 2026

International climate policy: How Europe wants to change its strategy

After a disappointing COP30, the European Union is preparing a strategic realignment of its international climate diplomacy. In particular, Brussels wants to make greater use of trade, financial and development policy to strengthen alliances and advance climate goals.

By Lukas Knigge

©PHOTOPQR/LA PROVENCE/Nicolas VALLAURI ; Marseille ; 15/11/2024 ; Illustration du leasing social pour véhicule électrique transport, mobilité, automobile, voiture, mesure du gouvernement, foyer éligible application " mon leasing électrique " sur téléphone mobile *** Local Caption ***

News | Emissions trading

February 5th, 2026

ETS 2 frontloading: EIB moves to mobilize EUR 3 billion

The European Investment Bank is mobilizing EUR 3 billion to support the decarbonization of buildings and transportation, frontloading ETS 2 revenues to help citizens transition to carbon-neutral alternatives.

By Lukas Knigge and Lukas Bayer

Energetische Sanierung eines Mehrfamilienhauses, Altbau-Renovierung, Wärmedämmung, neue Fenster, neue Dachlattung, Gerüst, Stuttgart

Feature | ETS 2

December 23rd, 2025

Social Climate Fund: Germany still does not have a plan

The European Social Climate Fund will be launched on Jan. 1 to offset the costs of carbon pricing. Member states must decide how to spend the money in advance; but Germany has not presented its plan yet.

By Lukas Knigge

Analyse | ETS 2

December 22nd, 2025

Klimasozialfonds: Deutschland weiterhin planlos

Am 1. Januar geht der europäische Klimasozialfonds an den Start, um Kosten durch die CO₂-Bepreisung abfedern zu können. Wie die Mitgliedstaaten die Gelder verwenden wollen, müssen sie vorher darlegen. Deutschland bleibt seinen Plan bislang schuldig.

By Lukas Knigge

Interview | EU climate target 2040

December 16th, 2025

Flasbarth: “No serious weaknesses in the 2040 climate target”

In an interview with Table.Briefings, German State Secretary for the Environment Jochen Flasbarth considers the trilogue agreement on the EU’s 2040 climate target ambitious but correct, despite international emissions allowances. He is also not entirely disappointed with the outcome of COP30.

By Lukas Knigge