If Free EU CO2 Certificates Stay, CBAM Has to Go – Stainless Espresso
The end of the free allocation of EU ETS certificates had, in fact, already been decided. Starting in 2026, the indirect multi-billion-euro subsidies for CO2 emissions are to be phased out gradually by 2034.
However, major CO2 emitters in the EU have for some time been campaigning for the continuation of free EU ETS allocations beyond 2034. Their main argument, as always: climate targets cannot otherwise be met; #renewable #energy and #green #hydrogen remain insufficient. If free #CO2 certificates are abolished, they say, the competitiveness of affected industries would suffer.
Particularly European steelmakers have a strong interest in the continuation of free allocations, as they have benefited the most from them since 2005 – and still do today.
Will the EU Council Decide on the Future of the Certificates on Thursday?
On 23 October, the European Council, the assembly of all 27 EU member states, may decide on whether to continue these indirect subsidies through the EU ETS. This decision would also, in effect, determine the future of the carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM).
If Free Certificates Remain, CBAM Is No Longer WTO-Compliant
One of the core conditions for the WTO-compliant introduction of CBAM on 1 January 2026, is the phase-out of European CO2 subsidies. Otherwise, a situation of double taxation and unfair competition would arise for importing companies. This could trigger a wave of lawsuits – not only before the World Trade Organization, but also within the EU itself. Such a dispute would come at a time when the EU is trying to re-regulate its internal market and reduce trade barriers and unfair competition between member states.
EU Steel Tariffs Already Pose a Problem for CBAM
CBAM already rests on shaky ground, as the CO2 tariff should not be applied simultaneously with other trade measures – again, due to the issue of double taxation. The expiry of the EU safeguard measures on certain steel products was one of the preconditions for introducing a permanent, WTO-compliant CBAM.
However, since the European Commission recently proposed to raise #steel tariffs to 50% and drastically cut import quotas, CBAM, if the Commission’s proposal goes through, would no longer be applicable to steel imports at all.
Those who strongly advocate free trade, insist on compliance with international agreements, and constantly demand a level playing field must, in all consistency, also repeal their own unlawful measures.
Therefore: If the free EU ETS allocation is extended, the CO2 tariff CBAM must be abolished.
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