ERCST event: Future of Emissions Trading in the EU/ Carbon Dioxide Removals
On 27-th of June 2025, at the “Future of Emissions Trading in the EU: Carbon Dioxide Removals” launch event, which was hosted by ERCST in Brussels, Robert Jeszke, Head of The National Centre for Emissions Management (KOBiZE) was invited to speak as one of the panellists.
Robert underlined that the ERCST report explains and captures the key elements currently under discussion, and that now is the right moment to reflect on the integration of Carbon Dioxide Removals (CDRs) into the EUETS – particularly in light of the upcoming 2040 EU climate target and the long-term goal of climateneutrality by 2050.
Robert Jeszke: “We are largely on the same page as ERCST: carbon removals are a necessity. To maintain the EUETS as the right instrument to deliver on the EU’s reduction targets, we need to act now – well ahead of 2040. There will be a shortage of EUA’s, and removals must become part of the solution.“
He also highlighted the following:
- The role of technologies such as BECCs and DACCs. He emphasised that, although these technologies are currently expensive (more than abatement costs in the EU ETS), early action is critical.
- The importance of high-quality removals to be integrated in a limited, credible and transparent way, supported by the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF).
- The need for an institutional mechanism such as the European Carbon Central Bank (ECCB) that could:
- pre-purchase certified removals to create a strategic reserve;
- help stabilise market liquidity and avoid CO2 price shocks;
- enable early investment and support for industry sectors.
- possibly use art. 6 mechanisms to source removals globally;
- Implement Carbon Contracts for Difference (CCfDs) to address high upfront costs.
- The EU must act ex-ante, not ex-post. If the market doesn’t receive these signals early on, it won’t invest. Time is of the essence.