Publications Archive

• The reform of the emissions trading scheme sets the course for the future EU climate policy
• The expectation of rising CO₂ prices remains crucial to the financial viability of investments in climate-friendly technologies
• Interventions in CO₂ pricing jeopardize investment incentives in the green transition and contribute to long-term market uncertainty

The Council and the European Parliament have decided to postpone the launch of the EU Emissions Trading Scheme for road transport and buildings (ETS-2) from 2027 to 2028. A legal analysis by the Centre for European Policy (cep) concludes that both the relevant EU legislative procedure and its outcome contravene EU law. It warns that this precedent could jeopardize the legality of future EU legislation.

With the Industrial Accelerator Act (IAA), the European Commission aims to increase demand for low-emission technologies and products manufactured in Europe. In a study, the Centre for European Policy (cep) assesses the potential and risks of the "Buy European" requirements proposed by the Commission.

The EU recently determined its contribution for 2035 to the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement (2035 EU NDC) and is in the process of setting its climate target for 2040. The Centre for European Policy (cep) analyses the often underestimated legal implications of the Paris Climate Agreement for the EU climate targets and upcoming decisions on EU climate policy from 2030 onwards.

The European Union is facing one of its greatest challenges: how can an ambitious climate policy be reconciled with the competitiveness of European industry on the global market? The Centre for European Policy (cep) is calling for plans to extend CO₂ border adjustment to be abandoned. Carbon leakage can only be effectively combated through international cooperation on CO₂ pricing. 

The emissions trading system for road transport and buildings (EU ETS 2) is coming under increasing pressure even before it has been launched. Currently, a majority of EU Member States is also calling for far-reaching changes. They fear that petrol and heating costs will rise to unpopular levels from 2027 onwards. However, the Centre for European Policy (cep) warns against watering down the new instrument.

Tough global competition, restrictive regulations and high energy costs: in order to achieve the goal of climate neutrality by 2050 despite poorer conditions, the EU must create a level playing field for European industry. The Centre for European Policy (cep) assesses the measures announced by the EU Commission in its Communication on a Clean Industrial Deal.

With flexibility overcoming the crisis of the automotive sector: the EU should allow for more technological openness and market-driven decarbonisation within CO₂ emission standards to reconcile robust competitiveness and ambitious climate targets. This is the result of a study of the Centre for European Policy (cep) commissioned by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

Whether green steel, bioplastics or alternative fuels: climate-friendly technologies require clear sales prospects. The Centre for European Policy (cep) sees great potential in green lead markets to make climate protection economically viable, but warns against too much state control.

According to the Commission, the EU target of climate neutrality by 2050 will not be achieved by avoiding greenhouse gas emissions alone. The Commission therefore supports measures such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) and the removal of CO₂ from the atmosphere. The Centre for European Policy (cep) considers these steps to be sensible.