This editor’s note highlights the key facts and market implications behind “Internal WhatsApp in Brussels Creates Confusion “, with emphasis on sourcing, product fit, fabrication, logistics, or buyer impact.
The president of Ascer, Ismael García, has called for the planned reduction to be postponed "until real technological alternatives exist."
A post on the social network LinkedIn about the alleged leak of the criteria for allocating free emission allowances has kept the European ceramic sector on edge. The information in question, which later circulated via WhatsApp among MEPs and stakeholders interested in the regulation of the Emissions Trading System (ETS), refers to "significant adjustments" in some subsectors, among which the ceramic sector is not included .
This has raised some concern within the tile sector that this data might confirm that their demands have fallen on deaf ears , as, if made official, the 34% cut in free emission allowance allocations established in the 2018 revision of the European ETS directive would soon be applied.
What are ETS?
The ETS aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through a free emissions cap, which, if exceeded, must be paid for. This represents a cost for companies that do not have the necessary technology to comply with the established limit.
El presidente de Ascer, Ismael García, ha pedido posponer la reducción prevista «hasta que existan alternativas tecnológicas reales»./ Europa Press
The sector is awaiting the official publication of this free emission cut, which remains sine die , as confirmed by the spokesperson for the European Energy Commissioner, Anna-Kaisa, at the press conference held yesterday at the European Commission.
“We will not be more specific,”
the spokesperson replied when asked if the official publication of the ETS benchmark would be "this week, next week, or the week after." It should be recalled that an estimated timeframe was announced for after the Easter holidays.
Ascer
In this context, the Spanish Association of Ceramic Tile and Pavement Manufacturers (Ascer) explained that "this is a draft that has not been adopted by the European Commission."
El presidente de Ascer, Ismael García, ha pedido posponer la reducción prevista «hasta que existan alternativas tecnológicas reales»./ Europa Press
"At this moment, we are awaiting the official publication of the final text, which could occur in the coming days," they added. The Castelló Provincial Council also indicated that they will provide an assessment once the data is official.
Compromís
For his part, Compromís MEP Vicent Marzà explained that their position on the matter remains the same:
“To support the sector due to the jobs it generates and the effort it is making to reduce emissions, and to extend the free emissions until suitable technology is available to comply with the decarbonization process.”
El presidente de Ascer, Ismael García, ha pedido posponer la reducción prevista «hasta que existan alternativas tecnológicas reales»./ Europa Press
Ascer also expressed itself in this sense during its visit to Brussels in March, where it proposed postponing the planned reduction "until real technological alternatives exist." It should be noted that the ceramic employers' association has held numerous meetings with political and business leaders to demonstrate the need to curb the European Commission's intentions due to the additional cost this situation will generate for the ceramic industry.
Basic Measures and Implementation
In 2003 , the EU emissions trading scheme was established through Directive 2003/87/EC to set the basic rules. Implementation has been carried out in several phases. The fourth and final phase covers the period 2021-2030 .
