Today was a crucial moment for the European Parliament when it comes to the real ambitions of the EU on tackling the climate crisis and complying with the European Climate Law’s aim of making Europe the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050.

Thanks to the S&D Group’s relentless efforts, the European Parliament has adopted some concrete measures to try to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 – compared to 1990 levels – as set out in the Fit for 55 package.

The S&Ds have been fighting for a green transition, but with a red heart.

Regrettably some crucial files, such as the Emissions Trading System revision (ETS), have been watered down by the right wing forces jeopardizing the EU’s climate ambitions.

As progressives, however, we made sure that all the measures of the Fit for 55 package approved are accompanied by solid social justice and solidarity mechanisms that offset the costs, to ensure that this transition not only takes place, but is also socially fair.

S&D MEP and rapporteur, Milan Brglez, said:

“The vote today in the plenary of the European Parliament has paved the way for a more ambitious revision of the Emissions Trading System (ETS) also for aviation, including an extension of its geographical scope, as well as a faster phase-out of free allowances. This means a swift and effective transition of the aviation sector to climate neutrality, providing in concrete terms an estimated additional €35 billion in ETS revenue to decarbonise the sector.

“The EP voted on direct inclusion to ETS of international departing flights from the EU to third countries. CORSIA carbon offset credits’ financial value, covering international flights, can be deducted from the ETS obligations for departing extra-EU flights, which would allow the interplay of both CORSIA and ETS to ensure better environmental integrity and proper tackling of emissions from aviation on an international level.

“It’s high time for the Union to act upon non-CO2 aviation emissions with concrete policy measures, as these emissions are responsible for about two thirds of the climate impact of aviation and therefore they simply can no longer be ignored. We want to establish first a monitoring, reporting and verification system for these emissions, after which these should also become part of the ETS system.”