What is the future of the Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) - a key European legislation that sets binding emission reduction targets for each EU country?
The Effort Sharing Regulation (ESR) sets binding emission reduction targets for each EU country in the sectors of road transport, buildings, waste, small industry and agriculture (~60% of the EU’s GHG emissions). In July 2021, the Commission proposed a new EU-wide target for the ESR sectors, bringing it up to -40% from -30% (compared to 2005). National ESR targets were also increased. They range from -10% for Bulgaria to -50% of Germany and are set on the basis of GDP per capita and cost-effectiveness of reducing emissions.
But national targets remain empty shells if not properly implemented and enforced. What can the European Parliament do to improve the proposal?
Reinvestment in green infrastructure and targeted redistribution of revenues will help low- and middle-income households to adjust to the EU’s new ETS...
The decision to create a Europe-wide carbon price was right but creates significant political risk. The good news is it can still be fixed.
T&E reaction to EU Clean Industrial Deal, Action Plan for Affordable Energy, and Omnibus proposal.