EU to slow ETS carbon‑cut timetable
The European Union has put forward a proposal that would extend the rate at which the bloc’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) tightens it, giving industrial companies a longer runway to lower emissions.
The reforms would repair the ETS to allow firms to keep receiving free permits until 2038, instead of the 2034 deadline set in the original climate target. It also proposes to slow the annual reduction of the cap to 3.7% from 2031 and to 1.7% from 2036 rather than the current 4.3% pace.
EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said the move is a “business‑friendly and savvy” approach that still aligns with the EU’s 90% cut goal by 2040 relative to 1990 levels.
However, member states such as Italy voice concerns that the ETS has become a “de‑facto tax”, and Polish climate minister Paulina Hennig‑Kloska vows to push for even softer limits.
Critics argue the changes could delay Europe’s progress in reducing warming and make future generations face higher temperatures.
