On 5 June 2025, Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra convened an Implementation Dialogue; a collaborative forum designed to bring together policymakers, industry representatives and civil society groups to discuss how new EU measures can be put into practice.
Held in the Commission’s Berlaymont building in Brussels, this session on Road Transport and Buildings Decarbonisation: Making it Work for People and Businesses, gave 20 stakeholders – from heat-pump and micromobility firms to building-renovation experts, fuel suppliers and NGOs – a chance to share insights, identify challenges and propose solutions for rolling out the EU Emissions Trading System for Buildings and Road Transport (ETS2) alongside the new Social Climate Fund (SCF).
Opening the Dialogue, Commissioner Hoekstra stressed that these two new instruments will play a central role in Europe’s path towards climate neutrality, while ensuring that the transition is fair and efficient.
Most participants expressed strong support for the rollout of ETS2 and called for its timely implementation without delay or revision. In particular, they highlighted the need for predictability and sending a strong market signal for decarbonisation, while stressing the importance of pairing ETS2 with the Social Climate Fund to protect vulnerable citizens.
Stakeholders also emphasised the need for a level playing field across Member States to avoid market distortions, especially in ETS2 implementation. They suggested that revenues from ETS2 be earmarked to help decarbonise the sectors covered. For instance, one participant highlighted the need to reinvest ETS2 funds in transport infrastructure and public mobility to support a viable transition for both end-users and workers. Another participant urged action to correct the distortion caused by high electricity prices relative to gas in many Member States. For example, they noted that today’s electricity-to-gas price ratio undermines the business case for clean heating technologies.
While there was recognition of ETS2’s potential, participants identified challenges around the political will and implementation, and agreed that ETS2 alone will not be sufficient. It must be complemented by supportive policy packages and clear regulatory frameworks. The need to align with other policies such as the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive and the Energy Efficiency Directive were also mentioned. The Innovation Fund was also highlighted as a key opportunity to scale up clean technology deployment.
On the question of simplification, stakeholders called for a predictable and transparent system for individuals, SMEs and local authorities, especially for the SCF, to ensure the success of ETS2, both economically and socially.
