EU border carbon tariff set for long battle
Industry is pushing for carbon tax on imports while enjoying free allocations
EU lawmakers have set the stage for a prolonged struggle over proposals to implement a border carbon adjustment mechanism (BCAM), as industry lobbies fight to preserve the exemption from paying for credits under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) that has saved them billions of euros in costs. The critical issue is whether the implementation of a tariff on carbon-intensive imports would mean EU industrial companies are also required to pay for their emissions. c.50pc – Share of total EUAs provided free to industry The European Parliament’s environment committee approved a report in February that called for a BCAM to be implemented by 2023 that would cover the power and energy-inte
Also in this section
9 January 2026
A shift in perspective is needed on the carbon challenge, the success of which will determine the speed and extent of emissions cuts and how industries adapt to the new environment
2 January 2026
This year may be a defining one for carbon capture, utilisation and storage in the US, despite the institutional uncertainty
23 December 2025
Legislative reform in Germany sets the stage for commercial carbon capture and transport at a national level, while the UK has already seen financial close on major CCS clusters
15 December 2025
Net zero is not the problem for the UK’s power system. The real issue is with an outdated market design in desperate need of modernisation






