Responsible MEPs write an open letter to the ICAO
EU ready to compromise, but the European Parliament will have a close look at the process
On Tuesday, September 24, the General Assembly of the International Civil Aviation-Organization will convene in Montreal (Canada). One item on the agenda is the discussion about a text that could pave the way towards an international agreement on the reduction of CO2 emissions in international aviation. The European Union, where all inter-European and intercontinental flights are already covered by law through the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), had been openly threatened with retaliatory measures by a number of third countries. Thus, as a gesture of goodwill, the EU excluded intercontinental flights temporarily from its ETS in the so called "Stop the Clock". Now, the president of the ICAO has succeeded in uniting almost all involved parties behind a compromise text which has to be adopted by the ICAO General Assembly. "The compromise is nonetheless not cut and dried yet and there are still arguments about the exact wording. We need this minimum compromise so our ETS can remain in place," warns Dr Peter Liese (EPP - Christian Democrats), rapporteur of the European Parliament for the inclusion of aviation in the European ETS.
Read more: Aviation and EU ETS - Now it is the turn of the third countries
Contradiction between Obama's speech and administration's position on aviation / Clock will start again if there is no improvement
"We have been very impressed about the new dynamic in the US climate policy after Obama's speech but we were disappointed about the administration's position on aviation", stated the rapporteur for the inclusion of aviation in the Emission trading system (ETS) Peter Liese (European Christian Democrats) after a visit of a delegation of the European Parliament's environmental committee to Washington.
On September 4, the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), met in Montreal to discuss ICAO’s policies regarding climate change. The Council is comprised of 36 ICAO member states. The Council adopted a text, which will now be considered by the ICAO Assembly of all members between September 24 – October 5.
Read more: Aviation and EU ETS - Positive Developments under ICAO
On Tuesday late afternoon the negotiators of the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers concluded on an agreement to the Stop-the-clockproposal of the European Commission. This means that the proposal can enter into force with the necessary amendments before 30th April. Already back in 2008 the European Union agreed to include aviation in the EU-ETS. The decision was unanimous in Council and with a big a majority of more than 90 percent in the European Parliament. There is a huge opposition against the legislation from third countries, but the European Union reaffirms again in this agreement that the legislation is there to stay.
Read more: Aviation Emissions: Parliament achieves significant improvement of Commission proposal