Climate Change Policy

Thursday, 13 November 2025

Ceisteanna (158)

Paula Butterly

Ceist:

158. Deputy Paula Butterly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade further to Parliamentary Question No. 215 of 6 November 2025, if he will provide an estimated timeframe for the implementation of the process to establish a link between the carbon markets of the European Union and the United Kingdom, and by extension the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, through a European Union/United Kingdom agreement linking the UK Emissions Trading Scheme (UK ETS) and the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), as committed to at the EU/UK Summit in May 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [62390/25]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade

Emissions trading is a key part of the global effort to decarbonise industry and achieve our net zero carbon emissions' goals. The UK is a valuable partner as we seek to achieve these targets.

Since Brexit, the EU and UK have had separate Emission Trading Systems (ETS). At the EU-UK Summit in May, both sides agreed to work towards linking these systems under a future agreement that will require the UK to dynamically align with EU rules. It is hoped that this agreement will, in turn, create the conditions for goods originating in our jurisdictions to benefit from mutual exemptions from the respective EU and UK Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanisms.

Today, 13 November 2025, the Council formally authorised the Commission to open negotiations with the UK on an ETS linkage agreement. The timeframe for these negotiations is currently unknown.

From an Irish perspective however, I continue to advocate for strong momentum in advancing post Summit agreements. This is in the mutual interest of both the EU and the UK, and is also particularly important in addressing issues related to the island of Ireland, including in relation to efficient and effective emissions trading systems.