The European Union has officially confirmed the postponement of the introduction of the new emissions trading system for the buildings and road transport sectors (ETS2) from the originally planned year of 2027 to 2028.. Decision, which was approved by the Council of the European Union and the European Parliament on 11 December 2025, is the direct result of intensive discussions and negotiations between environment ministers.

The original proposal to introduce emissions trading in these two sectors was set for 2027 in accordance with Directive (EU) 2023/959 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 10 May 2023, amending Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Union. The introduction of this new scheme is an important part of meeting the objectives European Green Deal. At the same time, it proceeds in accordance with European Climate Law, which legally enshrines the main objective of achieving EU climate neutrality by 2050.

Which areas does ETS2 cover and what are the new targets?

System ETS2 will specifically apply to fuels used for combustion in the buildings sector, in road transport, as well as in other sectors corresponding to industrial activities not covered by the current ETS1 emissions trading system.

Hand in hand with the postponement of the launch of ETS2, the European Union also approved a new climate target, namely reduce CO₂ emissions by 90 % by 2040 compared to 1990 levels.

The Social and Climate Fund will start operating from 2026

Although the launch of the new ETS2 system has been postponed by one year, according to official statements from the European Commission (Directorate-General for Climate Action – DG-CLIMA), the launch date The Social and Climate Fund is not being moved and remains unchanged, i.e. from January 2026.

For this reason, EU Member States have intensify the preparation of their national Socio-Climate Plans. The main mission of the Social and Climate Fund is to contribute to the social impacts of the creation of the new ETS2 system by addressing them. a socially just transition to climate neutrality. The postponement of the ETS2 entry into force to 2028 thus creates time for preparation, while support mechanisms for the population start earlier. JRi&CO2AI