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The European Commission launched public consultations on climate policy after 2030 and the possibility of using international carbon credits in a way that would be both ambitious and cost-efficient. Respondents can give input on the role of carbon removal.
Have your say on the European Union’s post-2030 climate policy framework – two new public consultations are open until May 4. The European Commission has called on stakeholders and the general public to submit data and evidence from the ground which are relevant for the role of national climate targets and flexibilities, and on the possible rollout of international carbon credits and the development of a market.
The consultations will play a critical role in shaping the preparation of the relevant legislative proposals due in the last quarter of 2026, the announcement reads.
National climate targets, flexibilities
The commission proposed an amendment in July to the European Climate Law, establishing a legally binding target to reduce annual net greenhouse gas emissions by 90% by 2040, from the 1990 levels. The aim is a steady pathway toward climate neutrality by 2050.
In December, the European Parliament and the Council of the EU reached a provisional agreement endorsing the target. The amendment also introduces new elements to support the EU’s achievement of the 2040 target in a cost-effective and globally responsible manner.
The climate policy needs to sustain strong incentives for emission reductions and carbon removals.
As some of the legislation on national climate targets is expiring at the end of the decade, the consultation needs to help assess their role and flexibilities in the EU climate policy post-2030, with a view to sustaining strong incentives for emission reductions and carbon removals.
Respondents are asked for their input on the EU’s future climate rules to make sure they are fair, and their application affordable, and that they are adapted to different national situations. Consultations also cover the role of carbon dioxide removals and ways to give countries more flexibility and EU support, so all regions and economic sectors can move towards a climate-neutral economy.
Possible use of international credits
The agreement on the European Climate Law includes the possibility of using high-quality international credits, from 2036, to make an adequate contribution towards the 2040 target.
The contribution may be up to 5% of 1990 EU net emissions, corresponding to a domestic reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions of 85% from the baseline by 2040. Respondents can provide input on what they see as the best approach for the use of credits and how this can be designed in a way that is both ambitious and cost-efficient, and in line with the Paris Agreement.
There is a possibility of a pilot period between 2031 and 2035, to help initiate a high-quality international carbon credit market.
In essence, CO2 credits could be bought abroad as offsets if the proposition is accepted.
Greenhouse gas emissions can be priced through mechanisms such as auctions, quotas, tax benefits, afforestation, soil carbon sequestration and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCS or CCUS). The EU has its Emissions Trading System, EU ETS.
Revision of Governance Regulation
In addition to the new consultations and calls for evidence, there is an ongoing one for the upcoming revision of the EU Governance Regulation – the legislative backbone of the Energy Union and the strategic framework for achieving the climate and energy policy objectives on the path to climate neutrality.
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