Overview
- Evonik CEO Christian Kullmann called for abolishing or drastically reforming the EU emissions trading regime, arguing rising CO2 costs threaten European competitiveness and questioning the effectiveness of the planned border levy.
- The Commission has signaled a gentler start for the buildings‑and‑transport scheme from 2027, including a top‑up that would release more permits if prices exceed roughly €45 per tonne.
- Reports indicate Brussels is exploring ways to hold the initial ETS2 price near €45 and to prefinance consumer relief, with the European Investment Bank preparing complementary support programs.
- Several member states, including Poland and Hungary, have pressed for delays or looser rules, but the 2027 start remains on the books as negotiations with governments and the European Parliament continue.
- For Germany, a softer EU launch could mean temporarily lower CO2 costs in 2027 compared with the national levy, though projections still point to prices above €120 by 2030 and up to about €300 by 2040.