European Agenda

    Using the market economy to combat climate change

    EU-wide emissions trading is the most efficient way to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) suggests how it could be implemented.

    EU-wide emissions trading is the most efficient way to minimize greenhouse gas emissions. The German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA) suggests how it could be implemented.

    Part of the solution

    In the medium term, the transport sector should gradually be included in EU emissions trading. As a central instrument in achieving the climate targets, it should become the lead instrument for achieving the goal of climate neutrality in transport after 2030. Following a two-stage procedure makes sense for this path. To begin with, fuels are included in a specific emissions trading for transportation (upstream emissions trading). This specific emissions trading can be transferred to a uniform European emissions trading system after a defined transition phase. This two-tier system allows for adjustments to the system. Market-based instruments currently play far too small a role in achieving climate goals. The extension of EU emissions trading to the transport sector is important and should be tackled gradually: In this way, we will succeed in minimizing greenhouse gas emissions within the European Union in an economically efficient way.

    Climate-neutral mobility, value creation, and individual mobility will only be possible in the future with the car. Individual mobility enables participation, and is the cornerstone of a successful business location. The development of sustainable mobility in the future will be characterized by more diversity and more intermodality. The German automotive industry will drive this development. For us, this also includes a climate-neutral value chain, a task that manufacturers and suppliers have been tackling for years. One thing is clear: We are part of the solution.

    Brussels office

    Mitja Schulz

    Head

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