IMO/Net-Zero Framework: "A matter of the highest political importance" (DG MOVE at the ENVI Committee)

"Last October, unfortunately, the International Maritime Organisation decided to adjourn the session, which is now set for this autumn, to vote on the Net-Zero Framework", says Fotini Ioannidou, Director at the DG MOVE in charge of maritime transport at the ENVI ordinary meeting in Brussels on 15/04/2026. "In October, we didn't remain united as one Union, and ministers stressed in December the need to re-establish an EU unity."

The 84^th session of the International Maritime Organisation's Marine Environment Protection Committee (IMO MEPC 84) will take place in London (UK) from 27/04 to 01/05/2026.

"This session is going to decide on the next steps for the adoption of the framework", says Ms Ioannidou. "The outlook of the session is complex. We are facing wide divisions between IMO Member States, between those who show support for the NZF, those who are against it, and even some who want to renegotiate completely based on different proposals, like Liberia, Argentina, Puerto Rico, Panama, the U.S., or even the Gulf states."

"The United States is strongly opposed to an instrument that…