Brussels 15 February 2017 - CEMBUREAU has taken note of the vote that took place in the European Parliament today, welcoming its decision not to deliberately discriminate between sectors and to apply a fact-based approach to policymaking. In our view, the proposals adopted by MEPs go some way to developing an EU-ETS which combines the goals of making Europe’s industry more CO₂ efficient, whilst at the same time maintaining its competitiveness. The cement industry welcomes, in particular:

The inclusion of dynamic allocation. The cement industry has always been in favour of a system whereby free allowances are allocated on the basis of actual production. This will resolve the current issue of overallocation.

• A benchmark which is based on real data with a minimum reduction of 0.25%.
• The inclusion of a 5% flexible reserve in relation to the allowances available for free and those designated for auctioning.
• The impetus given to funding for carbon capture and use. As a sector involved in research in this field, this proposal is very much welcomed.

CEMBUREAU is pleased to see that the amendments for an importer inclusion scheme, primarily targeted at the cement sector, have not been accepted. We repeat our call for sector-neutral policy which does not differentiate between industries. CEMBUREAU has always supported the need for a reflection on a range of potential measures to address carbon leakage in the long run. One of the tools in the box is a non-discriminatory cross border measure, in addition to free allowances and a consumption charge. 

About CEMBUREAU: The European Cement Association based in Brussels is the representative organisation of the cement industry in Europe. Currently, its Full Members are the national cement industry associations and cement companies of the European Union (with the exception of Cyprus, Malta and Slovakia) plus Norway, Switzerland and Turkey. Croatia and Serbia are Associate Members of CEMBUREAU. A cooperation agreement exists with Cyprus.

CONTACT: Jessica JOHNSON, Communications Director - aj.johnson@cembureau.eu - Tel: + 32 2 234 10 45