The European cement association, CEMBUREAU, has welcomed the prospect of an EU carbon border mechanism although this requires a number of design principles, said the association in a statement.
In the initial phase the mechanism, which should be based on verified direct and indirect emissions from imports to the EU, should be complementary to the free allowances of the EU emissions trading scheme (EU ETS) and applicable to all ETS sectors alike. In addition, it must be fully WTO compatible. It must also provide a CO² charge exemption for EU exporters.
Koen Coppenholle, CEO of CEMBUREAU, said “A carbon border mechanism is a chance to create the level playing
field in which our industry needs to help deliver the EU’s carbon neutrality objectives, and further cut CO² emissions in the EU and beyond.
“However, it is imperative that any carbon border mechanism co-exists with free allocation under the EU
ETS, at least until the end of Phase IV. The replacement of the existing carbon leakage measures by an untested
mechanism would create considerable uncertainty and risks for investments in the EU, at a time the industry needs a predictable framework to deliver low-carbon investments.
“Carbon border mechanisms are complex tools by nature and so it is essential to get their design right. A poorlydesigned mechanism could indeed have significant consequences for our industry. CEMBUREAU looks forward to continue working with the European Union on this.”
