INSULEUR has submitted its contribution to the European Commission’s consultation on the review of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), highlighting the need to ensure that the green transition does not disproportionately affect Europe’s island territories.
The European Commission has proposed a targeted revision of the EU ETS, including provisions concerning maritime transport. Maritime transport has been included in the EU ETS since 2024, requiring shipping companies to progressively cover the greenhouse gas emissions generated by voyages falling within the scope of the system.
For Europe’s islands, the implications are particularly significant. Island communities and economies are structurally dependent on maritime connectivity for the movement of people and goods, territorial continuity and access to essential services. Unlike mainland territories, islands often have no viable alternative transport mode for freight and many essential connections.
In its contribution, INSULEUR stresses that the EU’s climate objectives must be pursued while safeguarding territorial cohesion and preventing disproportionate impacts on island residents, SMEs and local economies. Particular attention should be given to the additional costs generated by the ETS for essential passenger and freight connections, as well as to the specific vulnerabilities of remote islands and the EU’s Outermost Regions.
INSULEUR calls, among other measures, for stronger safeguards for territorial continuity routes, dedicated support for the decarbonisation of island maritime transport and port infrastructure, and systematic assessment of the impact of EU climate measures on island territories.
This position is particularly relevant in the context of the EU Strategy for Islands, adopted by the European Commission in June 2026, which itself recognises the importance of maritime connectivity for islands and confirms that the 2026 ETS review should give due attention to their specific situation.
INSULEUR will continue to advocate for a fair and territorially balanced transition, ensuring that Europe’s islands can contribute fully to the EU’s decarbonisation objectives without seeing their connectivity, competitiveness and economic viability compromised.
Read INSULEUR’s contribution and access the European Commission consultation/feedback page here:
EU Emissions Trading System review – European Commission Have Your Say portal