Aviation emissions need a global solution

The European Parliament is set to vote on changes to the European Emissions Trading System (ETS) for the aviation sector. Mathieu Grosch MEP, EPP Group Coordinator in the EP’s Transport Committee, calls for a large backing of the outcome of the negotiations with Member States. This agreement was rejected by the Environment Committee in March.

Mathieu Grosch said: “The negotiations with the Member States have been difficult but the final agreement with the Council is satisfactory as it takes into consideration both environmental and economic interests. Moreover, it paves the way to an agreement on international level. To address aviation’s impact on climate change and to substantially reduce global emissions, a global framework is the only solution. Europe should not force the rest of the world to play by its own rules. If the European Parliament rejects the agreement with the Member States, we not only risk retaliatory trade measures from third countries but also reduce the chances of finding an international agreement at the next ICAO Assembly.”

The European Parliament will vote on the dossier in plenary on Thursday 3 April.