Aviation emissions: EU confirms its participation in the CORSIA voluntary phase from 2021 and chooses more ambitious option to calculate its offsetting requirements

26 Jun 2020 01:25 PM

The EU will take part in the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) from the start of its voluntary phase on 1 January 2021. Yesterday, the Council adopted a decision sealing this EU position, which member states will have to notify to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) by 30 June 2020.

Yesterday’s decision also lays down the EU position on the method to be used for calculating aeroplane operators’ offsetting requirements during the CORSIA pilot phase 2021‑2023. According to the EU position, the calculations should be based on the emissions during each of those years (2021, 2022 and 2023). This option is likely to lead to higher offsetting requirements and therefore be better for the environment than the other option available, which is to base the calculations on the 2020 emissions. Here again, ICAO members must notify the option chosen by the end of June 2020.

Oleg Butković, Croatian Minister for the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure, President of the Council yesterday said:

Today’s decision confirms the EU’s unwavering support for CORSIA as the worldwide scheme to curb aviation emissions and help address climate change. The environmental ambition of the Green Deal will not be achieved by Europe acting alone. Because the drivers of climate change are not limited by national borders, the EU will continue to lead by example in the ICAO in order to tackle this global challenge.

The Council adopted the decision by written procedure.

Click here for the full press release