Stay the course: why a stronger ETS is the key to industrial competitiveness
Since 2005, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has been a cornerstone of Europe’s climate policy. With the price per tonne of CO2 now beginning to stabilise at between €60 and €80, and the gradual reduction in free allowances, 2026’s review of the system should be an opportunity to reflect on and upgrade its performance as the EU continues towards climate neutrality.
However, the debate in Europe is not trending in this direction. Part of the industry, supported by some European leaders such as German Chancellor Merz, warns against a decline in competitiveness and calls for a weakening of the ETS and a cap on carbon prices, calling into question the future of this crucial mechanism.
As our Chairman Jean PISANI-FERRY and Executive Director Benoit LEGUET argue in Les Echos this week, taking a step back now would jeopardise Europe’s progress towards a decarbonised industrial base. I4CE’s Panorama of Climate Investments shows that, in France, an additional €4 billion in annual decarbonisation investment is required until 2030, which would be made harder if ambition is lowered.
Indeed, the debate in Brussels and national capitals this year should focus on strengthening, not weakening the ETS. Revenues are crucial not only for supporting domestic investment in decarbonising industry today, but to supporting European mechanisms developing the climate innovation needed tomorrow, such as the EU Innovation Fund and the forthcoming Industrial Decarbonisation Bank. If we take a step back on the ETS, these important funds will suffer.
Above all, it is counterproductive to get bogged down in negotiations on a price cap. This would undermine the business model of decarbonised industry, compromise the credibility of Europe’s climate objectives, while jeopardising our climate leadership just as carbon pricing gains momentum globally.
In the face of a new wave of backlash against the ETS, it is important to remember that chaos does not support competitiveness. Europe must remain firm, strengthening the ETS to build a world-leading, innovative green industrial base.
