EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)

A modern carbon removal facility surrounded by misty grasslands and sparse trees, with industrial structures and a sleek wooden central building.

In or Out: What’s best for carbon removals and the EU ETS?

What will the future of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) look like as the emissions cap heads towards zero? Is integrating carbon dioxide removals (CDRs) into the ETS a solution to help the EU achieve its climate goals? Or would they compromise the integrity and functioning of the system? These questions are at the forefront of the Commission’s mind as they review different options for the future of the ETS ahead of the 2026 revision.

Dec 17, 2024

EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Steel 2024

A closer look at 2023 emissions: steelmaking caused a quarter of industry pollution

This brief analyses 2023 emissions under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), using the latest data available from the EU Transaction Log (EUTL) . It particularly focuses on the iron and steel sector.

Oct 7, 2024

CCS EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) 2024

Feedback on the inclusion of permanent CCU in the EU ETS

Sandbag urges strict safeguards on permanent CCU within the EU ETS, calling for clear permanence standards, transparent product reviews, and faster removal of free allowances, while stressing CCU must complement (not replace) direct emission reductions.

Jul 16, 2024

EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)Industry 2024

Supply and demand in the EU ETS: It’s the hydrogen, stupid!

Learn about the supply and demand balance of the EU ETS through the end of its fourth phase in 2030, based on the latest market data and policy parameters. Are the results aligned with the EU’s target of a 55% reduction in emissions?

Jul 3, 2024

Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR)EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) 2024

Joint letter calling for separate emissions reductions and permanent CDR targets in EU 2040 climate framework

Sandbag co-signed an open letter sent to the European Commission by 114 leading academics, businesses, civil society organisations and research institutions urging the EU to set explicit and separate targets for greenhouse gas emissions reductions, land-based carbon...

Jan 9, 2024

EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Steel 2023

Update of the EU ETS free allocation rules: Polluting for free during a climate crisis

In this joint op-ed, first featured in Carbon Pulse, Sandbag policy officer Aymeric Amand and Carbon Market Watch policy expert Lidia Tamellini examine the revision of the Free Allocation Regulation. The EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) is one of the core EU...

Dec 22, 2023

EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)Industry Steel 2023

European Commission lets recycled steel down in regulation proposal

Sandbag and 12 other organisations – representing important environmental NGOs, think tanks and the European recycling industry – have co-signed a letter addressed to Members of the European Parliament and Members of Coreper 1 in response to the European Commission’s...

Dec 6, 2023

EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)Industry Steel 2023

Flat Steel in the Free Allocation Regulation

Our fact sheet explains why tackling emissions from the European steel sector is so important and why ferrous scrap has a role to play to decarbonise the steel industry.Following the revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Directive in April 2023, the...

Sep 25, 2023

EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) 2023

Supply and Demand in the EU ETS: Powering Through the Cap

The reform of the EU’s carbon market and the free allocation regulation is now voted on. The deal was wrapped in December 2022 and was barely different from what the Commission had proposed nearly two years ago and which we had analysed in September 2021. If the...

Jun 27, 2023

Category: EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)

In or Out: What’s best for carbon removals and the EU ETS?

A closer look at 2023 emissions: steelmaking caused a quarter of industry pollution

Feedback on the inclusion of permanent CCU in the EU ETS

Supply and demand in the EU ETS: It’s the hydrogen, stupid!

Joint letter calling for separate emissions reductions and permanent CDR targets in EU 2040 climate framework

Update of the EU ETS free allocation rules: Polluting for free during a climate crisis

European Commission lets recycled steel down in regulation proposal

Flat Steel in the Free Allocation Regulation

Supply and Demand in the EU ETS: Powering Through the Cap

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