The expert group on climate change policy (CCEG) meets in different formations, depending on the meeting agenda, including one focussing on aviation. The CCEG aviation formation currently consists of representatives from the authorities of Member States’ and EEA-EFTA States. Following the call for additional members launched in 2023, the formation also includes associations representing industries, sectors and solution providers linked to the aviation sector, as well as non-governmental organisations and academic institutions with relevant expertise.
To enhance sectoral expertise and include stakeholders not yet represented in the CCEG Aviation formation, DG CLIMA is inviting applications from relevant organisations to join as additional members. Engaging these new members is expected to strengthen discussions and contribute to the effective implementation of the EU ETS Directive for aviation.
The Commission is looking for applications from three different types of organisations:
- Associations, with EU-wide coverage that represent industries, sectors and solution providers linked to the aviation sector;
- Non-governmental organisations, universities and research institutes with expertise in the aviation sector;
- Individual companies or groups of companies operating in the EU aviation sector, whether national or multinational.
For associations representing the industries, sectors and solution providers, the selection will be based on their representativeness at EU level and the relevance of the aviation sector for them.
For non-governmental organisations, universities and research institutes, the selection will be based on their competence and experience in the industries and sectors relevant to the aviation sector.
For companies or groups of companies the selection will be based on their competence and experience in the aviation sector at the level of an EU Member State, or at European or international level.
In all cases, the selection will consider the hierarchical level of the proposed representatives and knowledge of the English to allow for active participation in discussions.
The results are due to be announced by the end of April.
The selected experts will meet according to the need of the ETS implementation process for aviation, either virtually (e.g. Webex) or in person, and will start their work in 2025.
The group will support the Commission in implementing amendments related to aviation’s role in achieving the EU’s economy-wide emission reduction target and ensuring the effective application of a global market-based measure. Its work will cover key topics such as deploying a new support mechanism to accelerate the use of the eligible sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), establishing a system for airlines to monitor, report and verify non-CO2 effects of aviation, and implementing the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). Additionally, the formation will provide a platform to discuss other relevant issues concerning the implementation of the EU ETS Directive for aviation.
Background
The ETS Directive has been amended to strengthen aviation’s contribution to the EU’s economy-wide emission reduction target and ensure the effective implementation of a global market-based measure. The revision helps to align the aviation sector with the ‘Fit for 55’ package, legally enshrining its role in achieving the EU target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030.
The revision introduces several key changes. The updated rules on emissions trading will improve the application of the polluter pays principle by phasing out free allowances for the aviation sector by 2026. Until 2027, EU carbon pricing will continue to cover flights within the EEA and departing flights to Switzerland and the United Kingdom. In 2026, the Commission will evaluate the effectiveness of CORSIA, the global offsetting system established by the International Civil Aviation Organisation, assessing whether it sufficiently contributes to the goals of the Paris Agreement and whether levels of global participation are sufficiently high. The legislation also introduces a new support mechanism, to accelerate the use of eligible SAF, allocating 20 million allowances, estimated at around €1.6 billion at current carbon prices. It also establishes a new system for airlines to monitor, report and verify non-CO2 effects of aviation.
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