CBAM / ETS: Call for actual entry into force in 2026 (23 European industry associations)

Twenty-three European organisations, including major actors in the steel, low-carbon cement and renewable hydrogen sectors, asked the European Commission not to postpone the CBAM’s (Carbon Border Adjustement Mechanism) financial entry into force or the phase-out of free allowances under the EU ETS (Emission Trading schemes), as previously requested by some other companies.

The CBAM is scheduled to start its financial phase on 01/01/2026, following a transitional period from 2023 to 2025. Its gradual introduction is aligned with the phase-out of free allowances under the EU ETS to support the decarbonisation of EU industry. On 20/10/2025, however, a group of European industrial companies called on the Commission to delay the phase-out of free ETS allowances to safeguard their competitiveness. The Commission is expected to present measures in December to address the risk of CBAM circumvention.

The 23 organisations, including three members of the Business for CBAM Coalition (Cleantech for Europe, the Alliance for Low-Carbon Cement & Concrete, and the Renewable Hydrogen Coalition)…