BETA


2017/0193(NLE) EU/Switzerland Agreement: linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems

Progress: Procedure completed

RoleCommitteeRapporteurShadows
Lead ENVI FJELLNER Christofer (icon: PPE PPE) PARGNEAUX Gilles (icon: S&D S&D), GERBRANDY Gerben-Jan (icon: ALDE ALDE)
Committee Opinion AFET
Committee Opinion ITRE
Lead committee dossier:
Legal Basis:
TFEU 192-p1, TFEU 218-p6a

Events

2018/02/16
   Final act published in Official Journal
Details

PURPOSE: to approve the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision (EU) 2018/219 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

CONTENT: the Council decided to approve, on behalf of the Union, the Agreement between the European Union and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems .

The Agreement was signed on 23 November 2017, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

Linking cap and trade systems is expected to result in broader carbon pricing, increasing the availability of reduction opportunities and enhancing the cost-efficiency of emissions trading.

The development of a well-functioning international carbon market through bottom-up linking of emissions trading systems (‘ETS’) is a long term policy goal of the Union and the international community , notably as a means to achieve the climate objectives, including under the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The instrument of approval of the Union shall only be notified when Switzerland has brought into force the requisite rules extending its ETS to aviation . The Swiss ETS does not yet cover the aviation sector but Switzerland is currently working on rules to extend its ETS to this sector.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 8.3.2018.

2018/01/23
   EP/CSL - Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament
2018/01/23
   EP - End of procedure in Parliament
2018/01/23
   CSL - Council Meeting
2017/12/12
   EP - Results of vote in Parliament
2017/12/12
   EP - Decision by Parliament
Details

The European Parliament adopted by 547 votes to 50, with 56 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

In line with the recommendation made by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.

Documents
2017/11/30
   EP - Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading
Details

The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety adopted the report by Christofer FJELLNER (EPP, SE) on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

The committee recommended that Parliament give its consent to the conclusion of the agreement.

As the explanatory statement accompanying the report pointed out, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is the cornerstone of Europe's ambitious climate policy . Set up in 2005, it covers industrial manufacturers, electricity producers and air traffic and is the most important tool that EU has to its disposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the 2014 European Council objective of cutting at least 40% greenhouse gas emissions to 2030 compared with 1990 levels.

The linking of the EU ETS with the Swiss Emissions Trading System (Swiss ETS) shall enable participants in one system to use units from the linked system for compliance. Thereby the market is expanded and the availability of reduction opportunities increased, which in turn enhances the effectiveness of the emissions trading and reduces cost.

The Swiss ETS is compatible with and has a similar design as the EU ETS . The same gases and industry sectors are covered and the same thresholds for inclusion applies.

Furthermore, the annual decrease in the quantity of allowances in the Swiss ETS is in line with annual decrease in the EU ETS.

The only major difference is that the Swiss ETS does not cover aviation activities, yet. Switzerland is however preparing an inclusion in its ETS of aviation that reflects the EU ETS rules.

Therefore, the linking of the EU ETS with the Swiss ETS is a first and important step to get other emitters to take their share of the responsibility and meet the long term EU policy goal of linking more emissions trading systems to EU, and effectively meet our climate objectives.

Documents
2017/11/29
   EP - Committee referral announced in Parliament
2017/11/28
   EP - Vote in committee
2017/11/13
   EP - Committee draft report
Documents
2017/11/10
   CSL - Council Meeting
2017/11/07
   CSL - Legislative proposal
Details

PURPOSE: to approve the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: the development of a well-functioning international carbon market through bottom-up linking of emissions trading systems (‘ETS’) is a long term policy goal of the Union and the international community, notably as a means to achieve the climate objectives, including under the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Cap and trade systems are policy tools that cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Linking cap and trade systems is expected to result in broader carbon pricing, increasing the availability of reduction opportunities and enhancing the cost-efficiency of emissions trading.

The Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems was signed, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

CONTENT: the draft Council decision aims to approve, on behalf of the Union, the Agreement between the European Union and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emission allowance trading schemes .

The Agreement sets out the key objectives and principles for linking the two emission trading schemes and establishes a joint committee, which is the main steering body of the agreement. Once the link between the EU ETS and the Swiss ETS is operational, emission allowances that originate from one system shall be eligible for compliance in the other system.

While the Swiss ETS does not yet cover aviation , Switzerland is working on rules extending its ETS to aviation. The instrument of approval of the Union shall only be notified when Switzerland has brought into force the requisite rules extending its ETS to aviation and Annex I, Part B of the Agreement is amended accordingly.

Documents
2017/11/07
   CSL - Document attached to the procedure
Documents
2017/11/06
   EC - Legislative proposal published
Details

PURPOSE: to approve the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: the development of a well-functioning international carbon market through bottom-up linking of emissions trading systems (‘ETS’) is a long term policy goal of the Union and the international community, notably as a means to achieve the climate objectives, including under the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Cap and trade systems are policy tools that cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Linking cap and trade systems is expected to result in broader carbon pricing, increasing the availability of reduction opportunities and enhancing the cost-efficiency of emissions trading.

The Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems was signed, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

CONTENT: the draft Council decision aims to approve, on behalf of the Union, the Agreement between the European Union and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emission allowance trading schemes .

The Agreement sets out the key objectives and principles for linking the two emission trading schemes and establishes a joint committee, which is the main steering body of the agreement. Once the link between the EU ETS and the Swiss ETS is operational, emission allowances that originate from one system shall be eligible for compliance in the other system.

While the Swiss ETS does not yet cover aviation , Switzerland is working on rules extending its ETS to aviation. The instrument of approval of the Union shall only be notified when Switzerland has brought into force the requisite rules extending its ETS to aviation and Annex I, Part B of the Agreement is amended accordingly.

Documents
2017/09/13
   EP - FJELLNER Christofer (PPE) appointed as rapporteur in ENVI
2017/08/16
   EC - Document attached to the procedure
2017/08/16
   EP - Preparatory document
Details

PURPOSE: to approve the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of an agreement between the European Union and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emission trading schemes.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: cap and trade systems are policy tools that cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union has been implementing its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS-EU) for more than ten years.

The development of a well-functioning international carbon market through bottom-up linking of emissions trading systems is a long term policy goal of the EU and the international community, notably as a means to achieve climate objectives, including under the Paris Agreement.

Linking enhances the cost-efficiency of emissions trading.

The Directive establishing the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) allows for the EU ETS to be linked with other emissions trading systems provided they are mandatory, have an absolute cap on emissions and are compatible. In 2010, the Council adopted a Decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations with Switzerland for a link between the EU and the Swiss greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

Overall, the design of the Swiss ETS is very similar to that of the EU ETS : the same gases and industry sectors are covered, with equal inclusion thresholds; definition of the liable entities at installation level; compatible allocation methodologies; similarity of quantitative and qualitative standards for international credits; same compliance periods (2013-2020).

In addition, like the EU ETS, the Swiss ETS is currently undergoing review for its next period from 2021 to 2030.

CONTENT: the Commission proposes that the Council decide to approve, on behalf of the Union, the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emission allowance trading schemes .

In concrete terms, the agreement:

sets out the key objectives and principles for linking the two emission trading schemes and establishes a joint committee, which is the main steering body of the agreement. Once the link between the EU ETS and the Swiss ETS is operational, emission allowances that originate from one system shall be eligible for compliance in the other system; provides that the two systems may adopt more stringent provisions than the essential criteria to ensure compliance, and that systems may be subject to legislative developments without the need for substantial re-negotiation provided that the systems continue to meet the essential criteria; establishes a process for information-sharing and coordination in areas of relevance to the agreement to ensure its proper implementation; specifies that Switzerland will mirror the EU ETS aviation provisions (not yet covered by the EU ETS) in the Swiss ETS before the entry into force of the Agreement; establishes a dispute resolution mechanism; specifies that allowances not allocated for free must be auctioned in an open, transparent and non-discriminatory manner; contains a commitment by the parties to protect sensitive information.

Documents

Votes

A8-0386/2017 - Christofer Fjellner - Approbation 12/12/2017 12:27:21.000 #

2017/12/12 Outcome: +: 547, 0: 56, -: 50
DE FR PL ES IT RO GB CZ BE SE BG AT HU SK PT LT NL HR FI LV SI EL DK LU EE IE MT CY
Total
90
68
43
45
62
26
61
21
18
17
16
16
15
12
17
10
24
10
9
8
8
19
7
6
6
8
4
5
icon: PPE PPE
189

Denmark PPE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg PPE

3

Estonia PPE

For (1)

1

Ireland PPE

3

Malta PPE

1

Cyprus PPE

1
icon: S&D S&D
168

Netherlands S&D

3

Croatia S&D

2

Latvia S&D

1

Slovenia S&D

For (1)

1

Denmark S&D

2

Luxembourg S&D

For (1)

1

Estonia S&D

For (1)

1

Malta S&D

3

Cyprus S&D

2
icon: ALDE ALDE
61

Romania ALDE

3

United Kingdom ALDE

1

Austria ALDE

For (1)

1

Portugal ALDE

1

Croatia ALDE

For (1)

1

Finland ALDE

1

Latvia ALDE

1

Slovenia ALDE

For (1)

1

Denmark ALDE

2

Luxembourg ALDE

For (1)

1

Estonia ALDE

3

Ireland ALDE

For (1)

1
icon: ECR ECR
60

Italy ECR

1

Romania ECR

For (1)

1

Czechia ECR

2

Bulgaria ECR

2

Lithuania ECR

1

Netherlands ECR

2

Croatia ECR

For (1)

1
2

Latvia ECR

For (1)

1

Greece ECR

Abstain (1)

1

Denmark ECR

For (1)

1
icon: Verts/ALE Verts/ALE
47

Italy Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

United Kingdom Verts/ALE

4

Belgium Verts/ALE

2

Austria Verts/ALE

3

Hungary Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Lithuania Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Netherlands Verts/ALE

2

Croatia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Finland Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Latvia Verts/ALE

1

Slovenia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Denmark Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Luxembourg Verts/ALE

For (1)

1

Estonia Verts/ALE

For (1)

1
icon: GUE/NGL GUE/NGL
45

Germany GUE/NGL

Against (1)

6

France GUE/NGL

Against (1)

4

Italy GUE/NGL

3

United Kingdom GUE/NGL

Abstain (1)

1

Sweden GUE/NGL

For (1)

1

Portugal GUE/NGL

3

Netherlands GUE/NGL

3

Ireland GUE/NGL

4

Cyprus GUE/NGL

2
icon: NI NI
16

Germany NI

Against (1)

2

France NI

3

Poland NI

Against (1)

2

United Kingdom NI

Against (1)

3

Hungary NI

For (1)

1
icon: ENF ENF
28

Poland ENF

2

United Kingdom ENF

Against (1)

1

Belgium ENF

Abstain (1)

1

Netherlands ENF

4
icon: EFDD EFDD
37

Germany EFDD

Against (1)

1

Czechia EFDD

Against (1)

1

Lithuania EFDD

For (1)

1

History

(these mark the time of scraping, not the official date of the change)

docs/1
date
2017-11-07T00:00:00
docs
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New
https://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/ENVI-PR-610799_EN.html
events/2/type
Old
Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading
New
Vote in committee
events/3/type
Old
Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading
New
Committee referral announced in Parliament
events/4/docs/0/url
Old
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/A-8-2017-0386_EN.html
New
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events/6
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procedure/Modified legal basis
Rules of Procedure EP 159
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events/0
date
2017-08-16T00:00:00
type
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EP
docs
summary
events/0
date
2017-08-16T00:00:00
type
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EC
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summary
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New
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events/6/docs/0/url
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http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2017-0483
New
http://www.europarl.europa.eu/doceo/document/TA-8-2017-0483_EN.html
committees/0
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Responsible Committee
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committee
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rapporteur
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shadows
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  • date: 2017-11-07T00:00:00 docs: url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=ADV&RESULTSET=1&DOC_ID=13076%2F17&DOC_LANCD=EN&ROWSPP=25&NRROWS=500&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC type: Legislative proposal published title: 13076/2017 body: EC commission: DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/climate-action_en title: Climate Action Commissioner: ARIAS CAÑETE Miguel type: Legislative proposal published
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  • date: 2017-11-29T00:00:00 body: EP type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Foreign Affairs committee: AFET body: EP shadows: group: S&D name: PARGNEAUX Gilles group: ALDE name: GERBRANDY Gerben-Jan responsible: True committee: ENVI date: 2017-09-13T00:00:00 committee_full: Environment, Public Health and Food Safety rapporteur: group: EPP name: FJELLNER Christofer body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy committee: ITRE
  • body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2017-0386&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading title: A8-0386/2017 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading committees: body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Foreign Affairs committee: AFET body: EP shadows: group: S&D name: PARGNEAUX Gilles group: ALDE name: GERBRANDY Gerben-Jan responsible: True committee: ENVI date: 2017-09-13T00:00:00 committee_full: Environment, Public Health and Food Safety rapporteur: group: EPP name: FJELLNER Christofer body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy committee: ITRE date: 2017-11-30T00:00:00
  • date: 2017-12-12T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=30495&l=en type: Results of vote in Parliament title: Results of vote in Parliament url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2017-0483 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading title: T8-0483/2017 body: EP type: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2018-01-23T00:00:00 body: CSL type: Council Meeting council: Economic and Financial Affairs ECOFIN meeting_id: 3592
  • date: 2018-01-23T00:00:00 body: EP type: End of procedure in Parliament
  • date: 2018-01-23T00:00:00 body: EP/CSL type: Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament
  • date: 2018-02-16T00:00:00 type: Final act published in Official Journal docs: url: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32018D0219 title: Decision 2018/219 url: http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2018:043:TOC title: OJ L 043 16.02.2018, p. 0001
commission
  • body: EC dg: Climate Action commissioner: ARIAS CAÑETE Miguel
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council
  • body: CSL type: Council Meeting council: Economic and Financial Affairs ECOFIN meeting_id: 3592 url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=SMPL&ROWSPP=25&RESULTSET=1&NRROWS=500&DOC_LANCD=EN&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC&CONTENTS=3592*&MEET_DATE=23/01/2018 date: 2018-01-23T00:00:00
  • body: CSL type: Council Meeting council: Foreign Affairs meeting_id: 3573 url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=SMPL&ROWSPP=25&RESULTSET=1&NRROWS=500&DOC_LANCD=EN&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC&CONTENTS=3573*&MEET_DATE=10/11/2017 date: 2017-11-10T00:00:00
docs
  • date: 2017-08-16T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2017/0428/COM_COM(2017)0428_EN.pdf title: COM(2017)0428 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2017&nu_doc=0428 title: EUR-Lex type: Document attached to the procedure body: EC
  • date: 2017-11-07T00:00:00 docs: url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=ADV&RESULTSET=1&DOC_ID=13073%2F17&DOC_LANCD=EN&ROWSPP=25&NRROWS=500&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC title: 13073/2017 type: Document attached to the procedure body: CSL
  • date: 2017-11-13T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=COMPARL&mode=XML&language=EN&reference=PE610.799 title: PE610.799 type: Committee draft report body: EP
events
  • date: 2017-08-16T00:00:00 type: Initial legislative proposal published body: EC docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2017/0427/COM_COM(2017)0427_EN.pdf title: COM(2017)0427 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!DocNumber&lg=EN&type_doc=COMfinal&an_doc=2017&nu_doc=0427 title: EUR-Lex summary: PURPOSE: to approve the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of an agreement between the European Union and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emission trading schemes. PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. BACKGROUND: cap and trade systems are policy tools that cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union has been implementing its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS-EU) for more than ten years. The development of a well-functioning international carbon market through bottom-up linking of emissions trading systems is a long term policy goal of the EU and the international community, notably as a means to achieve climate objectives, including under the Paris Agreement. Linking enhances the cost-efficiency of emissions trading. The Directive establishing the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) allows for the EU ETS to be linked with other emissions trading systems provided they are mandatory, have an absolute cap on emissions and are compatible. In 2010, the Council adopted a Decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations with Switzerland for a link between the EU and the Swiss greenhouse gas emissions trading systems. Overall, the design of the Swiss ETS is very similar to that of the EU ETS : the same gases and industry sectors are covered, with equal inclusion thresholds; definition of the liable entities at installation level; compatible allocation methodologies; similarity of quantitative and qualitative standards for international credits; same compliance periods (2013-2020). In addition, like the EU ETS, the Swiss ETS is currently undergoing review for its next period from 2021 to 2030. CONTENT: the Commission proposes that the Council decide to approve, on behalf of the Union, the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emission allowance trading schemes . In concrete terms, the agreement: sets out the key objectives and principles for linking the two emission trading schemes and establishes a joint committee, which is the main steering body of the agreement. Once the link between the EU ETS and the Swiss ETS is operational, emission allowances that originate from one system shall be eligible for compliance in the other system; provides that the two systems may adopt more stringent provisions than the essential criteria to ensure compliance, and that systems may be subject to legislative developments without the need for substantial re-negotiation provided that the systems continue to meet the essential criteria; establishes a process for information-sharing and coordination in areas of relevance to the agreement to ensure its proper implementation; specifies that Switzerland will mirror the EU ETS aviation provisions (not yet covered by the EU ETS) in the Swiss ETS before the entry into force of the Agreement; establishes a dispute resolution mechanism; specifies that allowances not allocated for free must be auctioned in an open, transparent and non-discriminatory manner; contains a commitment by the parties to protect sensitive information.
  • date: 2017-11-07T00:00:00 type: Legislative proposal published body: EC docs: url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=ADV&RESULTSET=1&DOC_ID=13076%2F17&DOC_LANCD=EN&ROWSPP=25&NRROWS=500&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC title: 13076/2017 summary: PURPOSE: to approve the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems. PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision. ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act. BACKGROUND: the development of a well-functioning international carbon market through bottom-up linking of emissions trading systems (‘ETS’) is a long term policy goal of the Union and the international community, notably as a means to achieve the climate objectives, including under the Paris Agreement on climate change. Cap and trade systems are policy tools that cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Linking cap and trade systems is expected to result in broader carbon pricing, increasing the availability of reduction opportunities and enhancing the cost-efficiency of emissions trading. The Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems was signed, subject to its conclusion at a later date. CONTENT: the draft Council decision aims to approve, on behalf of the Union, the Agreement between the European Union and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emission allowance trading schemes . The Agreement sets out the key objectives and principles for linking the two emission trading schemes and establishes a joint committee, which is the main steering body of the agreement. Once the link between the EU ETS and the Swiss ETS is operational, emission allowances that originate from one system shall be eligible for compliance in the other system. While the Swiss ETS does not yet cover aviation , Switzerland is working on rules extending its ETS to aviation. The instrument of approval of the Union shall only be notified when Switzerland has brought into force the requisite rules extending its ETS to aviation and Annex I, Part B of the Agreement is amended accordingly.
  • date: 2017-11-28T00:00:00 type: Vote in committee, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2017-11-29T00:00:00 type: Committee referral announced in Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP
  • date: 2017-11-30T00:00:00 type: Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2017-0386&language=EN title: A8-0386/2017 summary: The Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety adopted the report by Christofer FJELLNER (EPP, SE) on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems. The committee recommended that Parliament give its consent to the conclusion of the agreement. As the explanatory statement accompanying the report pointed out, the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is the cornerstone of Europe's ambitious climate policy . Set up in 2005, it covers industrial manufacturers, electricity producers and air traffic and is the most important tool that EU has to its disposal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the 2014 European Council objective of cutting at least 40% greenhouse gas emissions to 2030 compared with 1990 levels. The linking of the EU ETS with the Swiss Emissions Trading System (Swiss ETS) shall enable participants in one system to use units from the linked system for compliance. Thereby the market is expanded and the availability of reduction opportunities increased, which in turn enhances the effectiveness of the emissions trading and reduces cost. The Swiss ETS is compatible with and has a similar design as the EU ETS . The same gases and industry sectors are covered and the same thresholds for inclusion applies. Furthermore, the annual decrease in the quantity of allowances in the Swiss ETS is in line with annual decrease in the EU ETS. The only major difference is that the Swiss ETS does not cover aviation activities, yet. Switzerland is however preparing an inclusion in its ETS of aviation that reflects the EU ETS rules. Therefore, the linking of the EU ETS with the Swiss ETS is a first and important step to get other emitters to take their share of the responsibility and meet the long term EU policy goal of linking more emissions trading systems to EU, and effectively meet our climate objectives.
  • date: 2017-12-12T00:00:00 type: Results of vote in Parliament body: EP docs: url: https://oeil.secure.europarl.europa.eu/oeil/popups/sda.do?id=30495&l=en title: Results of vote in Parliament
  • date: 2017-12-12T00:00:00 type: Decision by Parliament, 1st reading/single reading body: EP docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=TA&language=EN&reference=P8-TA-2017-0483 title: T8-0483/2017 summary: The European Parliament adopted by 547 votes to 50, with 56 abstentions, a legislative resolution on the draft Council decision on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems. In line with the recommendation made by the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety, Parliament gave its consent to the conclusion of the Agreement.
  • date: 2018-01-23T00:00:00 type: Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament body: EP/CSL
  • date: 2018-01-23T00:00:00 type: End of procedure in Parliament body: EP
  • date: 2018-02-16T00:00:00 type: Final act published in Official Journal summary: PURPOSE: to approve the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems. NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision (EU) 2018/219 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems. CONTENT: the Council decided to approve, on behalf of the Union, the Agreement between the European Union and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems . The Agreement was signed on 23 November 2017, subject to its conclusion at a later date. Linking cap and trade systems is expected to result in broader carbon pricing, increasing the availability of reduction opportunities and enhancing the cost-efficiency of emissions trading. The development of a well-functioning international carbon market through bottom-up linking of emissions trading systems (‘ETS’) is a long term policy goal of the Union and the international community , notably as a means to achieve the climate objectives, including under the Paris Agreement on climate change. The instrument of approval of the Union shall only be notified when Switzerland has brought into force the requisite rules extending its ETS to aviation . The Swiss ETS does not yet cover the aviation sector but Switzerland is currently working on rules to extend its ETS to this sector. ENTRY INTO FORCE: 8.3.2018. docs: title: Decision 2018/219 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32018D0219 title: OJ L 043 16.02.2018, p. 0001 url: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ:L:2018:043:TOC
links
other
  • body: CSL type: Council Meeting council: Former Council configuration
  • body: EC dg: url: http://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/climate-action_en title: Climate Action commissioner: ARIAS CAÑETE Miguel
procedure/Modified legal basis
Old
Rules of Procedure EP 150
New
Rules of Procedure EP 159
procedure/dossier_of_the_committee
Old
ENVI/8/10579
New
  • ENVI/8/10579
procedure/final/url
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http://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32018D0219
New
https://eur-lex.europa.eu/smartapi/cgi/sga_doc?smartapi!celexplus!prod!CELEXnumdoc&lg=EN&numdoc=32018D0219
procedure/subject
Old
  • 3.70.03 Climate policy, climate change, ozone layer
  • 3.70.18 International and regional environment protection measures and agreements
New
3.70.03
Climate policy, climate change, ozone layer
3.70.18
International and regional environment protection measures and agreements
procedure/title
Old
EU/Switzerland Agreement: linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems
New
EU/Switzerland Agreement: linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems
activities/0/docs/0/text/0
Old

PURPOSE: to approve the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of an agreement between the European Union and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emission trading schemes.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: cap and trade systems are policy tools that cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union has been implementing its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS-EU) for more than ten years.

The development of a well-functioning international carbon market through bottom-up linking of emissions trading systems is a long term policy goal of the EU and the international community, notably as a means to achieve climate objectives, including under the Paris Agreement.

Linking enhances the cost-efficiency of emissions trading.

The Directive establishing the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) allows for the EU ETS to be linked with other emissions trading systems provided they are mandatory, have an absolute cap on emissions and are compatible. In 2010, the Council adopted a Decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations with Switzerland for a link between the EU and the Swiss greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

Overall, the design of the Swiss ETS is very similar to that of the EU ETS: the same gases and industry sectors are covered, with equal inclusion thresholds; definition of the liable entities at installation level; compatible allocation methodologies; similarity of quantitative and qualitative standards for international credits; same compliance periods (2013-2020).

In addition, like the EU ETS, the Swiss ETS is currently undergoing review for its next period from 2021 to 2030.

CONTENT: the Commission proposes that the Council decide to approve, on behalf of the Union, the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emission allowance trading schemes.

In concrete terms, the agreement:

  • sets out the key objectives and principles for linking the two emission trading schemes and establishes a joint committee, which is the main steering body of the agreement. Once the link between the EU ETS and the Swiss ETS is operational, emission allowances that originate from one system shall be eligible for compliance in the other system;
  • provides that the two systems may adopt more stringent provisions than the essential criteria to ensure compliance, and that systems may be subject to legislative developments without the need for substantial re-negotiation provided that the systems continue to meet the essential criteria;
  • establishes a process for information-sharing and coordination in areas of relevance to the agreement to ensure its proper implementation;
  • specifies that Switzerland will mirror the EU ETS aviation provisions (not yet covered by the EU ETS) in the Swiss ETS before the entry into force of the Agreement;
  • establishes a dispute resolution mechanism;
  • specifies that allowances not allocated for free must be auctioned in an open, transparent and non-discriminatory manner;
  • contains a commitment by the parties to protect sensitive information.
New

PURPOSE: to approve the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of an agreement between the European Union and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emission trading schemes.

PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

BACKGROUND: cap and trade systems are policy tools that cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union has been implementing its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS-EU) for more than ten years.

The development of a well-functioning international carbon market through bottom-up linking of emissions trading systems is a long term policy goal of the EU and the international community, notably as a means to achieve climate objectives, including under the Paris Agreement.

Linking enhances the cost-efficiency of emissions trading.

The Directive establishing the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) allows for the EU ETS to be linked with other emissions trading systems provided they are mandatory, have an absolute cap on emissions and are compatible. In 2010, the Council adopted a Decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations with Switzerland for a link between the EU and the Swiss greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

Overall, the design of the Swiss ETS is very similar to that of the EU ETS: the same gases and industry sectors are covered, with equal inclusion thresholds; definition of the liable entities at installation level; compatible allocation methodologies; similarity of quantitative and qualitative standards for international credits; same compliance periods (2013-2020).

In addition, like the EU ETS, the Swiss ETS is currently undergoing review for its next period from 2021 to 2030.

CONTENT: the Commission proposes that the Council decide to approve, on behalf of the Union, the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emission allowance trading schemes.

In concrete terms, the agreement:

  • sets out the key objectives and principles for linking the two emission trading schemes and establishes a joint committee, which is the main steering body of the agreement. Once the link between the EU ETS and the Swiss ETS is operational, emission allowances that originate from one system shall be eligible for compliance in the other system;
  • provides that the two systems may adopt more stringent provisions than the essential criteria to ensure compliance, and that systems may be subject to legislative developments without the need for substantial re-negotiation provided that the systems continue to meet the essential criteria;
  • establishes a process for information-sharing and coordination in areas of relevance to the agreement to ensure its proper implementation;
  • specifies that Switzerland will mirror the EU ETS aviation provisions (not yet covered by the EU ETS) in the Swiss ETS before the entry into force of the Agreement;
  • establishes a dispute resolution mechanism;
  • specifies that allowances not allocated for free must be auctioned in an open, transparent and non-discriminatory manner;
  • contains a commitment by the parties to protect sensitive information.
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Legislative proposal published
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Initial legislative proposal published
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Legislative proposal published
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Initial legislative proposal published
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2017-11-07T00:00:00
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url: http://register.consilium.europa.eu/content/out?lang=EN&typ=SET&i=ADV&RESULTSET=1&DOC_ID=13076%2F17&DOC_LANCD=EN&ROWSPP=25&NRROWS=500&ORDERBY=DOC_DATE+DESC type: Legislative proposal published title: 13076/2017
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DG: url: http://ec.europa.eu/info/departments/climate-action_en title: Climate Action Commissioner: ARIAS CAÑETE Miguel
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2017-11-28T00:00:00
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2017-11-29T00:00:00
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EP
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EP
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url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/sides/getDoc.do?type=REPORT&mode=XML&reference=A8-2017-0386&language=EN type: Committee report tabled for plenary, 1st reading/single reading title: A8-0386/2017
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2017-11-30T00:00:00
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2018-01-23T00:00:00
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CSL
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2018-01-23T00:00:00
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2018-01-23T00:00:00
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Act adopted by Council after consultation of Parliament
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2018-02-16T00:00:00
text

PURPOSE: to approve the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

NON-LEGISLATIVE ACT: Council Decision (EU) 2018/219 on the conclusion of the Agreement between the European Union and the Swiss Confederation on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

CONTENT: the Council decided to approve, on behalf of the Union, the Agreement between the European Union and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

The Agreement was signed on 23 November 2017, subject to its conclusion at a later date.

Linking cap and trade systems is expected to result in broader carbon pricing, increasing the availability of reduction opportunities and enhancing the cost-efficiency of emissions trading.

The development of a well-functioning international carbon market through bottom-up linking of emissions trading systems (‘ETS’) is a long term policy goal of the Union and the international community, notably as a means to achieve the climate objectives, including under the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The instrument of approval of the Union shall only be notified when Switzerland has brought into force the requisite rules extending its ETS to aviation. The Swiss ETS does not yet cover the aviation sector but Switzerland is currently working on rules to extend its ETS to this sector.

ENTRY INTO FORCE: 8.3.2018.

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Final act published in Official Journal
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title
Decision 2018/219
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Preparatory phase in Parliament
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Foreign Affairs
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activities/0/docs/0/text
  • PURPOSE: to approve the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of an agreement between the European Union and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emission trading schemes.

    PROPOSED ACT: Council Decision.

    ROLE OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT: Council may adopt the act only if Parliament has given its consent to the act.

    BACKGROUND: cap and trade systems are policy tools that cost-effectively reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The European Union has been implementing its Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS-EU) for more than ten years.

    The development of a well-functioning international carbon market through bottom-up linking of emissions trading systems is a long term policy goal of the EU and the international community, notably as a means to achieve climate objectives, including under the Paris Agreement.

    Linking enhances the cost-efficiency of emissions trading.

    The Directive establishing the EU’s Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) allows for the EU ETS to be linked with other emissions trading systems provided they are mandatory, have an absolute cap on emissions and are compatible. In 2010, the Council adopted a Decision authorising the Commission to open negotiations with Switzerland for a link between the EU and the Swiss greenhouse gas emissions trading systems.

    Overall, the design of the Swiss ETS is very similar to that of the EU ETS: the same gases and industry sectors are covered, with equal inclusion thresholds; definition of the liable entities at installation level; compatible allocation methodologies; similarity of quantitative and qualitative standards for international credits; same compliance periods (2013-2020).

    In addition, like the EU ETS, the Swiss ETS is currently undergoing review for its next period from 2021 to 2030.

    CONTENT: the Commission proposes that the Council decide to approve, on behalf of the Union, the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the linking of their greenhouse gas emission allowance trading schemes.

    In concrete terms, the agreement:

    • sets out the key objectives and principles for linking the two emission trading schemes and establishes a joint committee, which is the main steering body of the agreement. Once the link between the EU ETS and the Swiss ETS is operational, emission allowances that originate from one system shall be eligible for compliance in the other system;
    • provides that the two systems may adopt more stringent provisions than the essential criteria to ensure compliance, and that systems may be subject to legislative developments without the need for substantial re-negotiation provided that the systems continue to meet the essential criteria;
    • establishes a process for information-sharing and coordination in areas of relevance to the agreement to ensure its proper implementation;
    • specifies that Switzerland will mirror the EU ETS aviation provisions (not yet covered by the EU ETS) in the Swiss ETS before the entry into force of the Agreement;
    • establishes a dispute resolution mechanism;
    • specifies that allowances not allocated for free must be auctioned in an open, transparent and non-discriminatory manner;
    • contains a commitment by the parties to protect sensitive information.
activities/0/commission/0
DG
Commissioner
ARIAS CAÑETE Miguel
other/0
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EC
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commissioner
ARIAS CAÑETE Miguel
committees/1/date
2017-09-13T00:00:00
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  • group: EPP name: FJELLNER Christofer
committees/1/shadows/1
group
ALDE
name
GERBRANDY Gerben-Jan
activities
  • date: 2017-08-16T00:00:00 docs: url: http://www.europarl.europa.eu/RegData/docs_autres_institutions/commission_europeenne/com/2017/0427/COM_COM(2017)0427_EN.pdf celexid: CELEX:52017PC0427:EN type: Legislative proposal published title: COM(2017)0427 body: EC type: Legislative proposal published commission:
committees
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Foreign Affairs committee: AFET
  • body: EP shadows: group: S&D name: PARGNEAUX Gilles responsible: True committee_full: Environment, Public Health and Food Safety committee: ENVI
  • body: EP responsible: False committee_full: Industry, Research and Energy committee: ITRE
links
other
    procedure
    geographical_area
    Switzerland
    reference
    2017/0193(NLE)
    title
    EU/Switzerland Agreement: linking of their greenhouse gas emissions trading systems
    legal_basis
    stage_reached
    Preparatory phase in Parliament
    subtype
    Consent by Parliament
    type
    NLE - Non-legislative enactments
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