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🇸🇪 Sweden /Environment & Climate

Critics slam EU's proposed climate rule changes: 'Wrong path to take'

From Svenska Dagbladet · () Swedish

Translated from Swedish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The EU Commission has proposed easing regulations for the Emissions Trading System (ETS), drawing criticism from environmental and industry experts.
  • Critics argue that loosening rules, especially during an accelerating climate crisis, is poor climate and industrial policy, potentially harming European industries that have already begun to adapt.
  • While the EU might still reach its 2040 climate targets, experts warn that relaxing the ETS sends the wrong signal and makes achieving goals more difficult.

The European Union's proposed easing of its Emissions Trading System (ETS) rules has sparked significant criticism, with experts deeming it a step in the wrong direction for both climate and industrial policy.

It is both bad climate and industrial policy to ease the rules.

— Anders RothAnders Roth, mobility expert at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, criticizes the proposed changes to the EU's Emissions Trading System.

The ETS, which requires companies to purchase allowances for each ton of carbon dioxide they emit, is facing backlash for potentially allowing industries to emit more over a longer period. Anders Roth, a mobility expert at IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute, argues that this move, influenced by countries viewing the ETS as a burden, is detrimental. "We are in the middle of an accelerating climate crisis and would need tightening instead," Roth stated. He also warned that Europe will not benefit in the long run from reduced pressure on industries to transition, especially as China rapidly advances.

We are in the middle of an accelerating climate crisis and would need tightening instead.

— Anders RothAnders Roth explains why he believes the EU is moving in the wrong direction with its proposed ETS reforms.

Roth further highlighted the negative signal sent to Swedish industries that have invested in adapting to the legislation. "Those who are ambitious are punished, while those who have dragged their feet are rewarded," he said. While the EU might still meet its goal of a 90 percent emission reduction by 2040, Roth cautioned that this easing of rules within the most crucial policy tool sends an unfortunate signal and hinders progress.

On the long term, Europe does not benefit from reduced pressure on industries to transition, while China is racing ahead at full speed.

— Anders RothAnders Roth elaborates on the potential negative consequences for European industrial competitiveness.

Political figures have also voiced strong opposition. EU Parliament member Isabella Lövin of the Green Party called the proposal a "monumental setback for the entire climate transition," criticizing the Commission for yielding to "backward-looking countries." Emma Wiesner of the Centre Party, who will negotiate the proposal, described the new rules as "shockingly bad" and a concession to the "fossil-hugging industry," directly contradicting the needs of Swedish industry.

Those who are ambitious are punished, while those who have dragged their feet are rewarded.

— Anders RothAnders Roth describes the unfair signal the proposed ETS changes send to industries.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Svenska Dagbladet in Swedish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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