Overeenstemming in de Raad over een gemeenschappelijk systeem voor emissiehandel (en)

Today, at the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COOPER I), Lithuania's Presidency of the EU Council was granted a mandate to initiate tripartite negotiations with the European Parliament and the European Commission regarding amendment of Directive 2003/87/EC adjusting the deadlines of greenhouse gas emission allowance auctioning. During the negotiations the Council will seek agreement at first reading.

On 3 July, The European Parliament at the plenary meeting voted for the amendment of Directive. According to the single amendment proposed by the European Parliament, it will be possible to change the auction schedule if the impact assessment shows that there is no risk of carbon leakage for specific sectors. The schedule may be changed only once during the third trading period, and only in exceptional circumstances. The Commission will be able to change the schedule for a maximum amount of 900 million allowances.

The Chairman of the Permanent Representatives Committee Ambassador Arūnas Vinčiūnas stressed that the consensus on the Community emissions trading system is essential for the European Union as it will contribute to a better understanding of the Community emissions trading system functioning.

"It is necessary to review the carbon dioxide price and assure market participants that the EU wants a well-functioning Community emissions trading system," said the Ambassador A. Vinčiūnas. Lithuania‘s Presidency of the EU Council suggested COOPER I that the Board adopt the single amendment proposed by the European Parliament regarding the proposal of the Commission. Committee approved proposal by a qualified majority of votes.