Minister O’Brien welcomes European Commission’s plans for a review of the EU Emissions Trading System

Progressing this revision is a priority of the Irish EU Presidency

Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment Darragh O’Brien has today (Friday, 17 July) welcomed the publication of the European Commission’s plans for the review of the EU Emissions Trading System Directive (EU ETS1). Urgently completing the ETS review is a priority for European leaders, the European Parliament and the European Commission in the One Europe, One Market Roadmap. This has been identified as a priority of the Irish EU Presidency and is key to ensuring the EU’s competitiveness.
The Minister welcomed the proposal to amend the cap-and-trade system that has seen emissions in scope reduce by 50% since its inception in 2005.
The Minister said:
“The EU is a global leader in this space, with the EU ETS [Emissions Trading System] being replicated in jurisdictions around the world. It has proved agile through multiple reforms, adapting to increasing ambition and changing global contexts, and this is simply the latest iteration.”
Proposed revisions to the EU ETS1 focus on market stabilisation, and include amending the trajectory for industry towards decarbonisation, and broadening the scope to include certain aviation and maritime emissions. The plans also include the addition of carbon removals, particularly for hard-to-abate sectors, and the use of international carbon credits.
Following discussions at official level, Minister O’Brien will chair discussions on the review at the Environment (ENVI) Council, with the aim of reaching a General Approach at the December Environment Council in Brussels.
The Minister confirmed:
“Reviewing our decarbonisation and competitiveness framework will be vital to achieve our climate targets and to secure the prosperity of our industries. Changes will be difficult but necessary. We will be honest brokers and ensure all Member States have their voices heard on a system that has proven vital for the decarbonisation and competitiveness of EU industry.”
Official discussions will commence on Monday, 20 July, in Brussels.
The related European Commission press release (17 July 2026) can be seen at: Commission boosts Europe's competitiveness, decarbonisation and independence.