Directive clarifying provisions on the timing of auctions of greenhouse gas allowances (ETS)

"The Industry and Energy Committee of the European Parliament has clearly rejected the European Commission's plans to withhold a significant number of carbon permits, the so-called back-loading. The Emissions Trading Scheme is delivering on its main objective, namely to reduce industrial carbon emissions by 21% in 2020. Interfering in a market system with the intention of creating price incentives while increasing costs for industry and SMEs would send the wrong signal in times of economic slow down. In 2008, we opted for a market system, we should now trust this system!", said Romana Jordan MEP, Vice-Coordinator of the EPP Group in the Industry, Energy and Research Committee.

The adopted Opinion on the amendment of Directive 2003/87/EC clarifying provisions on the timing of auctions of greenhouse gas allowances (ETS) was carried by 42 votes in favour and 18 against. The next step will be the vote in the leading Environment Committee on 19 February and in plenary in spring.