Hagainitiativet har träffat och fått en intervju med Elina Bardram, Head of International Relations Unit, DG Clima, EU-kommissionen samt tidigare involverad i EU:s klimatförhandlingar inom ramen av UNFCCC.

In the New Green Deal, it is suggested that ETS also should include to maritime sector, traffic and construction. How much could that reduce the emissions in Europe?
– The Commission will be examining the policy options for, and impact of, the specific initiatives contained in the President Elect’s political guidelines. This will include the proposed inclusion of maritime sector, traffic and construction in the scope of the ETS. As per the established practice, our impact assessment will contain a thorough analysis of the economic, social and environmental aspects, but for now it is premature to speculate. In due course we will also launch a public consultation.

Do you have a view of the possibilities of interlinking the ETS with the Californian cap-and-trade program and what are the thresholds? Or China or Quebec?
– The EU is strong supporter of international uptake of market-based mechanisms as cost effective policy instruments to tackle greenhouse gas emissions. We have well established cooperation channels with the relevant authorities of China, California and Quebec. While linking compatible market mechanisms is relevant in the longer term development of global carbon markets, there are no current plans to this end.

All countries need to update their targets (EU-NDC) next year (2020). What are the bottlenecks to get an ambitious target from EU?
– All Parties to the Paris Agreement are invited to either communicate or update their NDC in 2020. The EU has initiated a process to ensure that our submission will comply with the Katowice agreement regarding the information to clarify transparency and understanding of the NDC. The level of ambition of the EU NDC will need to be considered by the European Council as part of an overall policy framework for the EU. An agreement on the EU Long Term Strategy, and reassurances regarding just transition will be factors in such considerations.

Do you have idea how can business help in this process?
– Businesses are fantastically powerful stakeholders who can influence EU policymaking through different channels. Active participation in stakeholder forums and public consultations, as well as direct outreach towards the institutions are pertinent ways to make sure industry views are duly heard. In the international sphere EU industry has been very active in shaping the discourse through showcasing concrete examples e.g. of clean and low carbon technologies, renewables and energy efficiency. In addition EU industry participation in the Global Climate Action Agenda and the UN Climate Summit was exemplary.