CBAM Launch event: Report on methods and process for crediting carbon prices
2023-10-05 15:30 - 17:30 (Europe/Paris) | online
Following the CBAM regulation officially entering into force on the 17 May 2023, a number of delegated and implementing acts will determine some key details of the CBAM. One of these implementing acts will determine the detailed rules on the methods and process for crediting carbon prices paid in the country of origin.
The ERCST will launch and present a paper, which will be followed by a discussion on the method for crediting carbon prices, including the possibility of bilateral agreements with trade partners and potential discussion of how to treat non-pricing policies such as those adopted in major trade partners.
This roundtable discussion, convened by ERCST on the basis of its extensive work on the EU CBAM, brought together experts in the areas of economics, law, and policy to address the evolving context of trade and industrial decarbonisation.
Agenda ERCST Slides Recording

EU Climate Policy and Electricity Market - Launch Report
2023-10-12 10:30 - 12:30 (Europe/Paris) | ERCST, Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
This was a public hybrid event under Chatham House rules.
The ERCST’s “EU Climate Policy and Electricity Market” workstream offers analytical insights into the interplay between EU climate policy and the electricity market, using a framework matrix for evaluating the EC’s electricity market reform proposal from a climate perspective.
In past discussions, ERCST examined how short and long-term market instruments interact with climate policies like ETS and RED, assessing their effectiveness in signaling decarbonization and impacting EU industries’ competitiveness.
The latest meeting featured the final report on ‘EU Climate Policy and Electricity Market Design,’ aiming to guide policy discussions by showing how electricity market design provisions could align with EU Climate Policy to achieve desired outcomes.
The meeting started with the presentation of ERCST Report on “EU Climate Policy and Electricity Market”, and was followed by preliminary remarks from the European Commission. It was then followed by a panel discussion during which speaker shared their views and provided their opinions on the legislative package. Interventions and debate from the audience took place during the following Q&A session.
Agenda ERCST Slides

Review of decarbonization policies for heavy-duty transport: ERCST’s recommendations for a successful decarbonization pathway
2023-10-12 15:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | ERCST, Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
This event was Hybrid.
The ERCST project aims to analyse EU policy pathways for decarbonizing heavy-duty road transport, and propose, if necessary and appropriate, complementary and/or alternative policy pathways. They will be underpinned by the EU objective of climate neutrality stemming from the EU Climate Law.
The project’s first report established an analytical base, exploring factors that influence mobility decarbonization pathways, identifying key outcomes, and suggesting necessary adjustments in light of changing economic, political, and social dynamics.
At a public event, ERCST presented its second report, assessing existing legislative measures for heavy-duty vehicle decarbonization and proposing new or supplementary strategies. This analysis focused on significant policy impacts on the sector, including CO2 emission reduction, EU energy independence, economic resilience, and societal effects like job creation and mobility affordability.
Panellists and participants reacted to the ERCST presentation and more broadly, to the decarbonisation pathway for HDVs. The results of these discussions will serve to pave the way to future developments on the ERCST mobility workstream.
Agenda

Pre-COP28: In conversation with Jacob Werksman
2023-10-26 16:00 - 17:15 (Europe/Paris) | ERCST, Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
At the 28th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP28), discussions were set to build on topics from COP27 and the Bonn Conference, focusing on debates like reducing or phasing out fossil fuels, implementing the loss and damage fund, climate finance, and conducting the first Global Stocktake of the UNFCCC to review global progress on the Paris Agreement. This stocktake would assess the advancement of countries in meeting their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets.
Additionally, the Incoming Presidency outlined four main focuses for COP28 in a letter: accelerating the energy transition and cutting emissions by 2030, transforming climate finance by fulfilling existing commitments and establishing a new financial framework, centering climate action on nature and human well-being, and making COP28 highly inclusive.
J. Werksman, Chief Paris Agreement Negotiator and head of the UNFCCC Task Force & Principal Adviser for International Aspects of EU Climate Policy, and A. Marcu, ERCST Executive Director, shared insights on the EU’s strategic policy objectives and the anticipated impacts of these discussions at COP28.
Agenda Recording

Carbon Removal Certification Framework: What is next?
2023-10-30 15:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | ERCST, Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
This was an in-person event.
In 2023, CCUS and carbon removal technology are gaining considerable momentum in the European Union thanks to the new legislative proposals developed by the European Commission, such as the Net-Zero Industry Act and the upcoming Commission’s strategy.
At the same time, in November 2022, the Commission also proposed a Regulation for the Certification Framework for Carbon Removal (CRCF) to set out a voluntary EU-wide framework to certify three types of carbon removals – nature-based solutions, engineered-based solutions and carbon which is stored in long-lasting products and materials – in Europe. It provides a general framework only, while methodologies for each type of removal will be developed through delegated acts with the help of an expert group.
In its plenary, the European Parliament voted on its position on the CRCF. The roundtable discussed key takeaways from the report of the rapporteur from the ENVI Committee and provided an opportunity to exchange views on how it addresses concerns from different stakeholders.
Agenda ERCST Slides Norsk Hydro Slides ERCST Publication

International Townhall: CBAM from Concept to Action and Regulation in Trade Partner Countries
2023-11-08 14:00 - 16:00 (Europe/Paris) | online
Following the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) regulation entering its transitional phase on the 1 October 2023, this International Town Hall explored the challenges that the implementation of CBAM has faced so far and the upcoming challenges and opportunities for trade partner countries.
The event included two sessions, one that focused on the implications and challenges of the transitional period , moving CBAM from concept to action. The second session focused on trade partner countries and the strategic focus they can consider for the future.
This session, convened by ERCST on the basis of its extensive work on the EU CBAM, brought together global thought leaders on international climate cooperation and CBAM to discuss the trajectory of CBAM implementation in third countries.
Agenda Recording

Roundtable Discussion - Corporate Supply Chain Due Diligence Directive: How Far Can Brussels Reach?
2023-11-16 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/Paris) | ERCST Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
On 23 February 2022, the European Commission proposed a Directive on Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence, mandating large EU companies to identify, prevent, and mitigate adverse human rights and environmental impacts within their operations, subsidiaries, and across their value chain. This Directive is notable for its extraterritorial reach, requiring companies to oversee not just their direct operations but also those of their value chain partners globally. This approach is designed to prevent unethical practices from being outsourced to other jurisdictions, although it has sparked debate over its legal, economic implications, and potential unintended effects.
As the proposal moves through the Trilogue process, ERCST is contributing to the debate with a report that reviews relevant literature and evaluates arguments for and against the Directive’s wide scope. The report’s key findings, based on expert consultations and literature review, were shared in a roundtable aimed at fostering dialogue among diverse stakeholders and decision-makers, encouraging a well-rounded discussion on the Directive’s implications.
Agenda ERCST Slides Recording

Expert Stakeholder Consultation: ETS in Agriculture
2023-11-22 10:30 - 12:30 (Europe/Paris) | ERCST Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
This was an in-person event.
The European Climate Law set the objective of cutting GHGs by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and to become Net Zero by 2050. In June, the European Commission has been consulting on an EU climate target for 2040. A communication, accompanied by an impact assessment on this regard, will be published in 2024.
The consultation raises questions about the future role of the EU Climate Policy, including the contribution of land based and carbon removals in the agricultural sector, that is responsible for 13% of EU’s GHS [1].
The European Court of Auditors has tasked the European Commission to come before December 2023 with a potential study to analyse the feasibility of extending emission trading to agriculture after 2030. The consultants in charge of developing this study opened a public consultation to stakeholders in June 2023.
This meeting was intended as a brainstorming roundtable with a small group of invited stakeholders and policy makers to brainstorm on how feasible is pricing agricultural emissions and rewarding climate action in the land sector.
[1] ECA (2021). Common Agricultural Policy and climate. Special Report. Pp.6. Available at: https://op.europa.eu/webpub/eca/special-reports/cap-and-climate-16-2021/en/#:~:text=The%20CAP%20mostly%20finances%20measures,(20%20%25%20of%20emissions). (Accessed on 19 June 2023).
Agenda DAFC Slides

Launch Event: Report on options and priorities for the EU-US Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminium
2023-11-22 15:30 - 17:30 (Europe/Paris) | online
This was an online event.
Following the CBAM regulation officially entering into force on the 17 May 2023 this event focuses on the international negotiations on an EU-US Global Arrangement on Sustainable Steel and Aluminum, exploring a viable path forward for that agreement and the role in that path of the CBAM.
The ERCST launched and presented a paper, followed by a discussion on the options and priorities for a prospective Global Arrangement for Sustainable Steel and Aluminium, including the potential role of, and implications for, the CBAM.
This session, convened by ERCST on the basis of its extensive work on the EU CBAM, brought together global thought leaders on international climate cooperation and CBAM to discuss the trajectory of CBAM implementation and climate and trade related issues.
Agenda ERCST slides Recording

Joint Stakeholder Roundtable : Impact of CBAM certificates on EU ETS
2023-11-23 10:30 - 12:30 (Europe/Paris) | ERCST Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
This was an in-person event.
Since 2019, ERCST has gained expertise in BCAs and carbon leakage in the EU, guiding the CBAM legislation from its early stages and facilitating informed discussions with global stakeholders.
Redshaw Advisors provides strategic insights into EU ETS legislation, including CBAM, cost forecasts, MRV requirements, and risk management for entities impacted by EU ETS and new importers.
The CBAM regulation, effective from 2023, requires importers of carbon-intensive goods to purchase CBAM certificates from 2026, with CO2 emissions monitoring starting in October 2023. These certificates, pegged to the EU ETS carbon price, will not be tradable, preventing hedging and potentially leading to price speculation.
This meeting was intended as a roundtable with a small group of invited stakeholders and policy makers to brainstorm the potential impact of CBAM certificates on the EU ETS price and hedging. It brought together EU experts in the areas of law, economics and policy to explore the critical underlying questions and assess proposals to address them.
Agenda

ERCST at COP28 - All Events
2023-11-30 16:00 - 2023-12-12 15:30 (Asia/Dubai)
Below is the list of side events that ERCST organised, and participated in, during the COP28 that was held in Dubai from 30 November 2023 to 12 December 2023.

Tackling the Climate Challenge through Carbon Management Technology in Europe
November 30, 2023 – 15:30-16:30, Dubai time (GMT+4) | Benelux Pavilion
ERCST participated in this side event organised by the Global CCS Institute during COP28.
CCS is becoming more prominent EU-wide as 2030 climate targets approach and new targets for 2040 are developed to chart the next step in the path to the 2050 commitment to carbon neutrality. This session discussed the progress made in Europe as it relates to CCS deployment and highlighted the policy instruments that are driving CCS success in Europe.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Elena Bonfiglio (ebonfiglio@ercst.org) or Ms Sachi Vohra (svohra@ercst.org).
Agenda Recording

Carbon Removal: What role for the Middle East?
December 2, 2023 | 08:30-09:30, Dubai time (GMT+4) | IETA pavilion
ERCST spoke at this side event on carbon removals.
Durable Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is essential to reach net zero. But what is the outlook and opportunity for DACCS and other durable CDR technologies in the UAE? Will the nation be an importer or can it become a hub for carbon management where removals help address both domestic net zero targets and export opportunities for the MENA region? What are some of the technology, energy, and geological considerations that will enable rapid scale-up in the region? This session brought together members of the public and private sectors working in the UAE to share perspectives on how durable CDR will be deployed, verified, and used within the region.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Elena Bonfiglio (ebonfiglio@ercst.org) or Ms Sachi Vohra (svohra@ercst.org).

The business case for CCS to meet decarbonization goals
December 2, 2023 – 16:30-17:30, Dubai time (GMT+4) | Norwegian pavilion
ERCST participated in this side event co-organised by Equinor, Aker Carbon Capture, and DNV as part of the Norwegian pavilion during COP28. The session brought together Norwegian and International participants to promote Norwegian perspectives on CCUS.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Sachi Vohra (svohra@ercst.org).

SOCAR Decarbonization Strategy and Future Prospects
December 3, 2023 – 10:00-11:00, Dubai time (GMT+4) | | Azerbaijan pavilion
ERCST participated in this side event organised by SOCAR as part of COP28 Azerbaijan pavilion. This session aimed at presenting information about SOCAR’s achievements in the field of decarbonization and energy transition.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Sachi Vohra (svohra@ercst.org) or Elena Bonfiglio (ebonfiglio@ercst.org).

Towards Operationalization of Article 6
December 3, 2023 – 13:15-14:45, Dubai time (GMT+4) | SE Room 4 (125 pax)
ERCST was the lead organiser in this side event that co-convened with the Climate Change Center (CCC), and the Swiss Business Council for Sustainable Development (OEBU).
Joining market leaders, experts, and governments, the session, moderated by ERCST’s Executive Director Andrei Marcu, discussed actionable “blueprints” on Article 6. Panelists shared initiatives and innovations in the works and discussed the role of removals under Article 6 towards global net-zero goals.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Sachi Vohra (svohra@ercst.org) or Elena Bonfiglio (ebonfiglio@ercst.org).
Agenda Recording

How Emerging Markets Can Prepare for the EU’s New Climate Regulations
December 4, 2023 – 10:30-11:30, Dubai time (GMT+4) | BCG Pavilion
ERCST participated in this roundtable organised by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and that discussed the impact of the EU CBAM and deforestation regulations across industries and geographies and why and how Emerging-market companies and governments must act now.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Sachi Vohra (svohra@ercst.org) or Elena Bonfiglio (ebonfiglio@ercst.org).

A Carbon Bank to manage the transition towards a low carbon economy
December 4, 2023 – 13:15-14:30, Dubai time (GMT+4) | IETA Business Hub Pavilion
This event was organised by ERCST.
The acceptability of carbon pricing is crucial and compensation for high carbon prices is an issue. Current ETS architecture does not provide the right tools to manage negative emissions. This event helped understand the role of carbon authorities in managing potential supply constraints of carbon credits and their practical shape and implications.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Sachi Vohra (svohra@ercst.org) or Elena Bonfiglio (ebonfiglio@ercst.org).
Agenda Recording ERCST Slides

Decarbonization in the Transportation Sector
December 5, 2023 – 14.00-15:30 Dubai time (GMT+4) | IETA Business Hub Pavilion
This event was organised by ERCST.
In October, ERCST launched a second report about the transport sector entitled ‘Review of decarbonisation policies for heavy-duty transport: recommendations for a successful transition’. The project intended to analyse the current pathways emerging from EU policy for decarbonisation of heavy-duty road transportation.
At this side event at COP28, ERCST presented the findings of the above-mentioned report, which assesses current legislative pathways to decarbonize heavy-duty transport and makes recommendations for new pathways complementary and/or alternative to the existing ones.
Panelists discussed the decarbonization pathway for HDVs and the report’s recommendations. The results of these discussions will serve to pave the way to future developments on the ERCST mobility workstream.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Sachi Vohra (svohra@ercst.org) or Elena Bonfiglio (ebonfiglio@ercst.org).
Agenda Recording

International Dimensions of the EU CBAM and Climate-Related Trade Measures
December 11, 2023 – 12:00-13:00 Dubai time (GMT+4) | The Trade House, Thematic Arena 3
This side event was co-organised by ERCST and the WTO.
The session provided insights into the emerging wave of climate-related trade measures, including the EU CBAM, building on the ERCST’s work in this area within different projects. It explored how climate-related trade measures that aim to address international greenhouse gas leakage resulting from domestic climate policy measures can be designed to account for differences in climate policy across various countries. The discussion addressed both how the EU CBAM can credit foreign carbon prices or climate efforts, and alternative methodologies that we have come across for crediting various climate policies.
The discussions revolved around the theme of trade and emissions standards, pricing, and supply chains. By examining the implementation of climate-related trade measures such as EU CBAM’s and how these measures incorporate foreign carbon prices, they looked at the relation between trade, emission standards and pricing while also considering the different methods impact on global supply chains as countries adjust to the new regulations.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Sachi Vohra (svohra@ercst.org) or Ms Sara Svensson (ssvensson@ercst.org).
Agenda Recording

Development and Piloting of an ETS (Opportunities and challenges for new ETSs)
December 11, 2023 – 14:30-15:30, Dubai time (GMT+4) | Türkiye Pavilion
ERCST participated in this side event organised by COP28 Türkiye Pavilion.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms Sachi Vohra (svohra@ercst.org).

Expert Stakeholder Consultation: 2024 State of the EU ETS Report (Online Roundtable)
2023-12-19 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris) | ERCST Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
This was an online event.
This meeting was intended as a stakeholder/expert workshop with a small group of invited stakeholders and policy makers, which will brainstorm on the outline and content of the 2024 State of the EU ETS Report[1]. This will be the ninth annual report on the State of the EU ETS and builds on the reports produced by this group of authors, and other partners, in the last six years. The 2023 edition is available through this link.
The Report is intended as a “snapshot”, providing policymakers and stakeholders with an overview of how the EU ETS is doing by April of each year, based on previous year data.
The topics/chapters that were discussed are:

Regulatory developments (EU and international)
Market sentiment
Environmental delivery
Socio-economic delivery
Market functioning

For each topic, the authors presented the expected outline and content, which will allow for an in-depth discussion with the participants, and to address any gaps, or make any corrections needed.
[1] The 2024 State of the EU ETS Report is a joint effort between ERCST, BloombergNEF, and the Wegener Centre for climate and global change at the University of Graz.
Agenda

Window on 2024 - With Yvon Slingenberg
2024-01-16 16:00 - 17:15 (Europe/Paris) | Mission of Norway to the EU Norway House Rue Archimède 17, B-1000 Brussels, Rue Archimède 17, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
In the aftermath of COP28, and the conclusion of the first Global Stocktake – which enables countries to measure the progress in meeting the targets set out in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) – Our Executive Director, Andrei Marcu, was joined by Yvon Slingenberg, Deputy Director at DG CLIMA, to reflect on: (i) the current state of implementation of the EU Green Deal and Climate Law; (ii) the progress made to achieve a fair transition to climate neutrality; (iii) the 2040 target; as well as (iv) the EU strategic policy priorities in the run-up to 2024 European elections.

Agenda

State of the European Hydrogen Market - Stakeholder consultation
2024-01-23 15:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris)
This meeting was intended as a stakeholder/expert workshop with a small group of invited stakeholders who brainstormed on the outline and content of the 2024 State of the European Hydrogen Market Report. The State of the European Hydrogen Market Report is intended as a “snapshot” providing information on the development of the European hydrogen economy in 2023.
The Report is a joint effort between the ERCST, the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, and BloombergNEF.
Agenda

Stakeholder Roundtable: Future of the EU ETS
2024-01-24 10:00 - 13:00 (Europe/Paris) | ERCST Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
The revised EU ETS Directive was adopted on May 10th, 2023, and should apply in 2024. It updated the rules and conditions for the operation of the IV Phase of the EU ETS (2021-2030). In the meantime, the European Commission launched a study on “Issues and options for EU emissions trading after 2030 ”. It will advise the Commission on main issues and options.
The analysis will target Phase V of the EU ETS, starting in 2031, and should be ready ahead of the forthcoming European Commission proposal to review of the European Climate Law and 2040 target, expected for the 1st quarter of 2040. This session was the first meeting of this workstream, part of a process that ERCST is putting into place as an independent review to have the EU institutions and EU stakeholders in this important debate.
[1] DG CLIMA (2022): Study on Issues and Options for EU Emissions Trading after 2030. CLIMA/2022/OP/0012. Available at: https://etendering.ted.europa.eu/cft/cft-display.html?cftId=12202 (Accessed on 16 November 2023)
Agenda ERCST Slides PIK Slides

European Hydrogen Bank: A Game Changer?
2024-02-07 14:30 - 16:30 (Europe/Paris)
Venue: the event took place at the Mission of Norway to the EU, Rue Archimède 17, Brussels.

In recent consultations conducted by the ERCST, stakeholders expressed concerns about the current structure of the Hydrogen Bank’s auction and the scope of eligible offtakers.
The discussions highlighted two primary issues:
– Exclusion of CCS Retrofitting
– Requirements for Off-take Agreements
Additionally, Hydrogen Bank has the potential to serve as a key platform for managing the aggregation of hydrogen demand and coordinating joint purchasing efforts.
This event aimed at fuelling and informing the discussion on the different Hydrogen Bank’s instruments. It was an opportunity for stakeholders to bring up issues and better understand the Bank’s development strategy amidst the evolving domestic and international landscape.
Agenda ERCST Slides ERCST Commentary

Quo Vadis, EU: 2040 Climate Target
2024-02-14 16:00 - 17:30 (Europe/Brussels) | ERCST, Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
The Climate Law mandate the EU to set a 2040 climate target, within six months of the first Global Stocktake, as a crucial step toward achieving climate neutrality. The Commission is expected to release a communication about the 2040 target on February 6.
Last year, during the Commission’s public consultation on the subject, the European Scientific Advisory Board on Climate Change (ESABCC) published its report ‘Scientific advice for the determination of an EU-wide 2040 climate target and a greenhouse gas budget for 2030–2050’. The assessment urges the EU to adopt a 90-95% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions target by 2040 and recommends offsetting any surplus beyond the EU’s equitable share of global emissions by intensifying mitigation endeavors internationally. Additionally, it highlights reducing energy consumption, decarbonising the power sector, expanding renewable energy sources, and enhancing the electrification of industry and transportation as strategic, no-regret choices for the transition.
After the Commission tables its proposal, a formal exchange is expected at the Environment Council on 25 March. EU heads of state will then have an opportunity to weigh in on the debate at a summit on 27-28 June as part of the EU’s Strategic Agenda for 2024-2029, which will set the EU’s priorities for the new institutional cycle after the June EU elections.
Agenda Recording

Expert Consultation: ETS review of Carbon Leakage Risks for CBAM Export Goods
2024-02-21 15:00 - 16:30 (Europe/Paris)
This was an online event.
The CBAM’s transitional period is now underway, however several issues remain unresolved ahead of the definitive period and numerous delegated and implementing legislations, along with reviews are due before the end of the transitional period. The ERCST’s CBAM V will start off 2024 by revisiting the topic of exports, this time focusing on the review that is a part of the EU ETS legislation.
At this expert consultation the ERCST invited a small group of people to discuss the carbon leakage risk for goods subject to CBAM and produced in the EU for export related to the review under the ETS of 2024.
We invited covered sectors and other stakeholders to obtain current insights on production and market trends, potential export volumes at risk due to the current absence of a solution for export-related leakage risk and try to better understand the domestic and international implications of export-related leakage.
Agenda

The CRCF trilogues and the Industrial Carbon Management strategy: where are we headed?
2024-02-22 09:30 - 12:30 (Europe/Paris) | ERCST, Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
In 2023, the policy framework related to CCUS and carbon removal technologies gained considerable momentum in the European Union thanks to the new legislative proposals developed by the European Commission, such as the Certification Framework for Carbon Removals (CRCF) and the announcement of an ‘Industrial Carbon Management’ strategy, alongside other pieces of legislation.
In 2024, important developments in these two files are expected, as the ordinary procedure related to the CRCF should come to an end before the next policy cycle, and the Industrial Carbon Management strategy was published on February 6.
The roundtable discussed key developments on the two proposals and provided an opportunity to exchange views on how it addresses concerns from stakeholders and to better understand how the policy framework related to CCUS and carbon removal methods will develop.
Agenda ERCST slides on CRCF trilogues ERCST slides on ICMS ERCST Publication

Expert Stakeholder Consultation: 2024 State of the EU ETS Report
2024-03-07 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris) | ERCST Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
“Important! Online participation is only possible for attendees located outside Brussels. Please be aware that Zoom access will not be available if you are in Brussels.”
This meeting was by invitation only.
This meeting was intended as a brainstorming meeting with a small group of invited stakeholders and policy makers, which brainstormed on the presentation of the 2024 State of the EU ETS Report[1], to be released on 14 May. This will be the ninth annual report on the State of the EU ETS and builds on the reports produced by this group of authors, and other partners, in the last eight years. The 2023 edition is available through this link.
The authors presented the expected content, which allowed for a brainstorming discussion with stakeholders to address any gaps, or make any corrections needed, ahead of the final presentation of the report in May.
[1] The 2023 State of the EU ETS Report is a joint effort between ERCST, BloombergNEF, and the Wegener Centre for climate and global change at the University of Graz.
Agenda

Launch of the ‘Climate Policy Priorities for the Next European Commission’ Report
2024-03-07 17:00 - 18:30 (Europe/Brussels) | University Foundation, Rue d’Egmont, 11, Brussels, 1000, Belgium
This was a public event – hybrid format.
Ifo Institute and ERCST launched the initiative “Climate Policy Priorities for the Next European Commission” to identify and examine several issues that the EU institutions should consider as part of climate change policy developments after the 2024 elections (i.e., within the work of the new Commission).
On 22 June 2023, ERCST and CESifo Institute/EconPol hosted a first meeting in Brussels which allowed to preliminarily identify the core issues encompassed by this initiative. To provide intellectual leadership, ifo Institute and ERCST have convened thought leaders from across Europe to provide ongoing input to the initiative.
After carrying out individual interviews to the members of High-level Working Group on Climate Change Policy Priorities in the next EU Political Cycle, ifo Institute and ERCST organised stakeholder meetings in three EU Member State capitals (Berlin, Paris and Warsaw), during November 2023.
The output, which is envisaged in the form of two reports in 2024, will be under the responsibility of ifo Institute and ERCST.
ERCST and ifo will launch the 1st report focusing on a qualitative analysis.
Recording Agenda Report ERCST/ifo slides

Stakeholder Roundtable: Future of the EU ETS - Carbon removals
2024-03-11 16:00 - 17:30 (Europe/Paris) | online
This was an online event.
This meeting is by invitation only. If you are interested in attending, please register through the link below.
*Registrations for this event are closed.
The EU ETS is seen as one the important drivers since it came into operation in 2005. However, as we reach end of 2020’s and forward middle of 2030, there are many issues that need to be discussed – fundamentally if the EU ETS is the right instrument as we reach towards zero allowances and what architecture and governance it should take.
This session discussed the role of negative emissions and carbon removal technologies in the existing EU ETS, and, if they were to be included, under what constraints. This event is a follow-up to the ERCST’s roundtable taking place in January and is part of a process that ERCST is putting in place as an independent policy review of the EU ETS post 2030.
Agenda ERCST slides Hydro slides UBA slides

Incentivising hydrogen demand: Critical challenges and opportunities
2024-03-14 09:00 - 17:30 (Europe/Paris)
ERCST organised this event together with the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES), and Research Institute for Sustainability – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS)
This seminar encompassed three panels:

Creating hydrogen demand: Decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors
Creating hydrogen demand: Market design, legislation/regulation, and bankability
Catalyzing an international hydrogen market: local demand or international off-take agreements?

Report
Draft Agenda Slides

Climate Trade Nexus (CTN) Assessment - Mexico Workshop - ERCST
2024-03-15 09:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York)
The Climate-Trade Nexus Assessment Workshop in Mexico City, Mexico, jointly organized by the ERCST and Iniciativa Climatica de Mexico (ICM), was successfully held on March 15th, 2024. The workshop aimed to explore how trade-related climate measures could accommodate different climate policies across developing country trading partners. Attendees discussed existing and potential measures and their implications, as well as the impact of different methods on individual countries based on their domestic climate policies. The event facilitated dialogue between public and private sectors, contributing to a deeper understanding of the relationship between trade and climate action.
Agenda ERCST Slides

Climate Trade Nexus (CTN) Assessment - Brazil Workshop
2024-03-18 09:00 - 13:00 (America/Sao_Paulo)
The Climate-Trade Nexus Assessment Workshop in Sao Paolo, Brazil, jointly organized by the ERCST and Agroicone, was successfully held on March 18th, 2024. The workshop aimed to explore how trade-related climate measures could accommodate different climate policies across developing country trading partners. Attendees discussed existing and potential measures and their implications, as well as the impact of different methods on individual countries based on their domestic climate policies. The event facilitated dialogue between public and private sectors, contributing to a deeper understanding of the relationship between trade and climate action.
Agenda ERCST Slides

Opening remark from Ambassador André Aranha Corrêa do Lago, Secretary of Climate, Energy and Environment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federative Republic of Brazil

Climate Trade Nexus (CTN) Assessment - South Africa Workshop - ERCST
2024-03-20 08:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris)
The Climate-Trade Nexus Assessment Workshop in Pretoria, South Africa, jointly organized by the ERCST and The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), was successfully held on March 20th, 2024. The workshop aimed to explore how trade-related climate measures could accommodate different climate policies across developing country trading partners. Attendees discussed existing and potential measures and their implications, as well as the impact of different methods on individual countries based on their domestic climate policies. The event facilitated dialogue between public and private sectors, contributing to a deeper understanding of the relationship between trade and climate action.
Agenda ERCST Slides

The Future of Agriculture in the EU ETS - Public Event
2024-03-22 10:00 - 12:00 (Europe/Paris) | ERCST Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
This was an in-person event.
* Registrations are closed.
Agriculture is responsible for 13% of EU’s GHS[1], and the sector’s emissions have not decreased since 2010. Following the example of the recent extension of carbon pricing to road transport and buildings, emission trading in agriculture could provide the right incentives to decarbonise this sector.
This public event explored with stakeholders and policy makers the role agriculture can play as part of net zero, with a focus on its potential extension to carbon pricing. It addressed how feasible is pricing agricultural emissions and rewarding climate action in the land sector.
[1] ECA (2021). Common Agricultural Policy and climate. Special Report. Pp.6. Available at: https://op.europa.eu/webpub/eca/special-reports/cap-and-climate-16-2021/en/#:~:text=The%20CAP%20mostly%20finances%20measures,(20%20%25%20of%20emissions). (Accessed on 6 November 2023).
Agenda DG CLIMA Slides

State of the European Hydrogen Market – Stakeholder consultation
2024-04-09 14:00 - 15:30 (Europe/Paris) | ERCST Rue Archimède 61, 1000 Bruxelles
This meeting was a focus session where the project team received the feedback of the stakeholders on a detailed presentation of the draft contents of the 2024 State of the European Hydrogen Market Report.
The State of the European Hydrogen Market Report aims to provide a “snapshot” of the development of the European hydrogen economy in 2023 and is a joint effort between the ERCST, the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, and BloombergNEF.
Draft Agenda

Launch Event: ETS review of Carbon Leakage Risks for CBAM Export Goods
2024-04-15 15:00 - 17:00 (Europe/Paris) | online
This event is online only.
The CBAM’s transitional period is now underway, however several issues remain unresolved ahead of the definitive period and numerous delegated and implementing legislations, along with reviews are due before the end of the transitional period. The ERCST’s CBAM V started off 2024 by revisiting the topic of exports, this time focusing on the review that is a part of the EU ETS legislation.
At this launch event the ERCST will present a paper on the topic of the carbon leakage risk for goods subject to CBAM and produced in the EU for export related to the review under the ETS of 2024.
Covered sectors and other stakeholders were invited to obtain current insights on production and market trends, potential export volumes at risk due to the current absence of a solution for export-related leakage risk and try to better understand the domestic and international implications of export-related leakage.
Agenda ERCST Presentation Recording

EU ETS: Carbon Dioxide Removals CDRs - Public Event
2024-04-23 09:30 - 12:30 (Europe/Paris) | ERCST Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, Rue Archimède 61, Bruxelles, 1000, Belgium
This is an in person event. “Important! Online participation is only allowed for attendees located outside Brussels”
You are welcome to register through the link below. Registered participants will receive an automatic confirmation email after registration.
* Registrations are closed.
The revised EU ETS Directive was adopted in 2023 and should be applied in 2024. The newly introduced Art 30 states that by 31 July 2026, the Commission shall report to the European Parliament and the Council how negative emissions resulting from GHG gases removed from the atmosphere could be accounted for and covered by ETS, accompanied, where appropriate, by a legislative proposal and impact assessment.
This session was a follow up of the Stakeholder Roundtable on EU ETS and Carbon removals that ERCST hosted in March and discussed the role of negative emissions and carbon removal technologies in the EU ETS, and, if they were to be included, under what constraints.
Agenda Recording ERCST Slides Hydro Slides PIK Slides
