EU Adopts Revised Emissions Trading System and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
The European Parliament has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable future by adopting the revised EU Emissions Trading System Directive (EU ETS) with an overwhelming majority of 413 votes in favour to 167 against and 57 abstentions. This move aims to provide clarity for the flat glass industry on the regulatory environment it will operate in the coming years. Additionally, the Parliament passed the introduction of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) with 487 votes in favour. The CBAM is designed to support EU industries at risk of carbon leakage and will help in achieving the EU’s climate neutrality target.
According to Bertrand Cazes, the Secretary General of Glass for Europe, the coming decade will be crucial for carbon reduction and sustainable glass manufacturing in Europe. Despite continuous improvements in reducing emissions, the revised Directive asks the industry to intensify investments while its capacity is impacted by high energy and ever-increasing carbon costs.
The introduction of the CBAM brings new uncertainty as its implementation and consequences are hard to foresee. However, Glass for Europe is willing to engage with EU authorities if an assessment of a possible extension to the flat glass industry is launched.
In conclusion, the adoption of these texts is a positive step towards a greener future, but it also poses challenges for the industry. Listen to Bertrand Cazes’s insights on the revised EU ETS and the CBAM.
Source: Glass for Europe with additional information added by Apazone
