EU ETS: updated benchmark values for 2026-2030 open for public consultation by the Commission

On May 11, 2025, the European Commission launched a public consultation on the updated benchmark values for the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) covering the period from 2026 to 2030. This four-week consultation is open to both the public and EU member states.

According to the Commission, "with the proposed benchmarks, the industry will, on average, continue to receive free allocation covering around 75% of its emissions".

"The Commission is addressing industry concerns by making full use of the legal flexibilities available. To incentivise industrial electrification, the updated approach maintains coverage of indirect emissions from electricity use across 14 product benchmarks. This leads to higher benchmark values with a financial impact of around €4Bn for the 2026-2030 period.

This update, alongside the recent proposed amendment to the ETS Market Stability Reserve presented on 01/04, "should also be seen in the broader context of the EU ETS review due in July 2026, which aims to ensure that the ETS remains fit for the future and continues to support European industry in its…