In a press release, published on 1st July 2022, Eurofer’s Director General Axel Eggert supported the EU Council’s proposal for the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism and the reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), but suggested that the proposal needed strengthened carbon leakage protection measures and export rebates. He also stated that reforms such as rebasing the emissions cap and strengthening the Market Stability Cap should be avoided.
In a 29th June tweet, Eurelectric expressed support for the EU phase out of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035, describing the EU decision as a win for e-mobility.
In a 24th June press release, Confindustria stated opposition to the proposed phase-out of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales by 2035 in Europe, suggesting that the target could be delayed in the EU Council session at the end of June.
Hydrogen Europe advocated for clear definitions for renewable and low-carbon hydrogen under the EU's Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonization Package in a June 2022 position paper. The group also appeared to support the EU Commission's proposal to include hydrogen and fossil gas blending as a transitional measure.
In a press release published on 8th June, the Corporate Leaders Group (CLG) supported an ambitious agreement on the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) in the EU Parliament plenary. It stated that the free allocation of emissions allowances cannot continue in its current form, but suggested that they should only be phased out as fast as possible for sectors which do not face low-carbon competition from overseas on a large scale.
According to a June 9th media report, Airlines for Europe opposed a more ambitious Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs) blending target of 6% by 2030, as proposed in the EU Council’s general approach, preferring the earlier mandate of 5%. Lufthansa appeared to stress competitiveness, carbon leakage and cost concerns with the Council’s position. In contrast, International Airlines Group welcomed the more ambitious target.
An op-ed written by the President of the EU Parliament Environment Committee, Pascal Canfin, published in Le Monde on the 2nd June reported that in a “tsunami of lobbying” Eurofer had advocated to EU parliamentarians to not support the EU Commission’s proposal to reform the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) by eliminating a certain amount of carbon credits from the market, called ‘rebasing’. Canfin stated that the EU Commission had shown that without this measure, there is no chance of achieving the necessary emissions reductions in European industry to align with the UN Paris Agreement. Eurofer also appeared to advocate for the EU Parliament to support the weaker draft of the EU ETS and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
In an 8th June social media post, Hydrogen Europe CEO Jorgo Chatzimarkakis supported stronger measures for hydrogen in the EU Alternative Fuels Infrastructure regulation, FuelEU Maritime, and the ReFuelEU Aviation proposals.
On 8th June the Federation of German Industry (BDI) stated in a press release that it does not support the complete phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles in 2035. The entity advocated for a 90% reduction target instead, stating that a lower target would prevent job losses and protect the automotive industry. In a 13th June press release, Confindustria opposed the result of the 8th June EU Parliament plenary vote on CO2 Standards for Light Duty Vehicles which approved a 2035 phase-out of internal combustion engine vehicles, stating that it would put thousands of jobs at risk. On May 31st, FuelsEurope wrote an Op-ed in Politico which appeared unsupportive of the effective ICE ban. FuelsEurope urged policymakers to “recognize new vehicles operated on up to 100 percent renewable fuels” in vehicle CO2 regulations and emphasized supply and cost concerns with electric vehicles.
On May 31st, a group of companies and industry associations representing the mobility, engineering, and energy sectors, including Mazda, Eni, Siemens Energy, Repsol and Liquid Gas Europe, signed a joint letter to Members of European Parliament (MEPs) strongly opposing a zero-emissions CO2 target for cars and vans ahead of the European Parliament's plenary vote. They instead called for a technology open regulation that recognizes the contribution of sustainable renewable fuels, thus promoting a long-term role for the internal combustion engine over a complete transition to EVs in the EU.
Industry association Hydrogen Europe appeared to support a weakening of the Delegated Acts in the EU Renewable Energy Directive. The group supported including a grandfathering clause to delay stricter guidelines for renewable hydrogen projects until 2027, and did not support strict temporal correlation guidelines in a 24th May position paper.
In a position statement outlining priorities for the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council, published on 22nd May, the Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales (CEOE) advocated for technology neutrality in the EU’s CO2 standards for light duty vehicles.
In an 18th May press release, the Federation of German Industries (BDI) opposed the EU Parliament ENVI Committee’s position on introduction of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), describing it as "an untested and abuse-prone CO2 border tariff" and advocating for continuation of free allowances under the EU ETS until "at least 2030".
On 11th May, ahead of the REPowerEU plan, Corporate Leaders Group (CLG) Europe published a joint letter that highlighted a strengthened EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) is needed to deliver on the EU’s targets.
In a press release on 16th May, the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) did not support reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) such as the reduction of the free allocation of emissions allowances and an increase in the emissions reduction target for ETS sectors for 2030. In the same press release, VCI opposed the inclusion of the chemical industry in the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). In a public hearing by the German Committee for Climate Protection and Energy on 11th May, VCI did not support the CBAM, suggesting that it is protectionist and supporting the inclusion of export rebates.
Speaking at a conference on 12th May, ArcelorMittal Europe’s CEO and President of Eurofer, Geet Van Poelvoorde, did not support proposed reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), stressing high costs and advocating for a transition phase. Van Poelvoorde also did not support the EU Commission’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), advocating to maintain the free allocation of emissions allowances until 2030. However, he supported a regulatory framework for green hydrogen.
In a 12th May statement, the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) advocated for a review of the EU Emissions Trading System and Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism in relation to the heightened risk of carbon leakage, implying that greater carbon leakage protection may be needed which would weaken the ambition of the policies.
In a 30th June position paper, GasNaturally advocated for the EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive revision to reverse national bans on fossil gas technologies, including gas and hybrid boilers. Furthermore, GasNaturally called for the EU Hydrogen and Gas Decarbonization Package to provide clearer definitions for renewable and low-carbon gases in a 1st July position paper. However, the group also advocated for all forms of hydrogen to be supported in the scope of the policy.
In a 27th June press release, Hydrogen Europe welcomed the European Parliament position on the EU Emission Trading Scheme (ETS). The association supported the EU ETS extension into the maritime and aviation sectors, and a new scheme for the buildings and transport sectors. It also advocated for coverage of the hydrogen sector in the system. Hydrogen Europe also appeared to support the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) proposal from the EU Parliament. The group supported the gradual phase out of free allowances from the EU ETS, without specifying a timeline. However, it also called for rebates for exporters by emphasizing risk of carbon leakage. Finally, CEO Jorgo Chatzimarkakis advocated for higher sectoral sub-targets and targets for renewable fuels of non-biological origin (RFNBOs) in the EU Renewable Energy Directive revision, following the EU Council’s position on the policy.
A 21st June Argus Media article reported that industry association Hydrogen Europe supported weakening the EU Commission's proposal for the Renewable Energy Directive, by supporting less ambitious thresholds for renewable hydrogen.
WindEurope and Eurofer published a joint statement on 21st June supporting the RePower EU legislation to scale up renewable energy and renewable hydrogen to decarbonize industry.
In a June 17th press release, the World Shipping Council appeared to oppose an extension of the EU Emissions Trading System to extra-EEA voyages, instead advocating for a global market-based mechanism.
In a 14th June joint statement on EU-US LNG trade, Eurogas advocated for new LNG infrastructure in the EU and long-term LNG contracts to meet gas demand in the bloc. The group did not appear to take a position on the EU’s methane regulation, but stated it would “uphold” the policy, and supported a pragmatic approach to methane regulation in the US.
In press releases published on the 8-9th June, CEMBUREAU expressed disappointment at the failure of the EU Parliament Plenary to agree on proposals for the reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). CEMBUREAU stated support for "some key issues" within both the ambitious Environment Committee draft and the weaker EU Parliament draft, but did not specify its position on the phase-out timeline for free allowances.
In communications to the media, both Mercedes-Benz Group and Volkswagen Group appeared supportive of the EU’s announced zero-emissions 2035 CO2 target. Volkswagen called the plan an “ambitious but achievable goal”, while Mercedes-Benz stated "by 2030, we are ready to go fully electric wherever market conditions allow". This appears to leave BMW as the only major German automaker directly opposing the policy.
On 3rd June, the CEOs of energy intensive companies and industry associations, including ArcelorMittal, Holcim, Solvay, Norsk Hydro, EUROFER and FuelsEurope, signed an open letter opposing the EU Parliament Environment Committee's proposal to increase ambition of the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) reform, stressing risks of carbon leakage.
The news outlet Handelsblatt reported on 30th May that the German Chemical Industry Association (VCI) did not support the Market Stability Reserve mechanism in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), suggesting it is a burden for companies as it increases the carbon price and the risk of carbon leakage.
An open letter to the European Parliament and Member States facilitated by Eurofer and signed by European CEOs of EU steel companies stressed concerns regarding the recent vote in the EU Parliament Environment Committee to increase the ambition of the EU Emissions Trading System and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. They were unsupportive of "scaling back existing carbon leakage protection" and advocated for EU policymakers to "prevent a sharp decrease in free allocation." This was signed by regional and/or division CEOs of thyssenkrupp, ArcelorMittal, SSAB, Tata Steel and other companies in the steel value chain.
In a position statement outlining priorities for the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council, published on 22nd May, the Confederación Española de Organizaciones Empresariales (CEOE) advocated for the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) to complement the free allocation of emissions allowances in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), and was in favor of an ‘adequate’ levels of free allowances.
In a press release on 18th May, BusinessEurope Director, General Markus J. Beyrer, stated opposition to the EU Parliament Environment Committee’s vote to increase the ambition of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism by speeding up the phase out of the free allocation of emissions allowances in the EU ETS. He also did not support the proposal to make free allowances conditional on decarbonization efforts.
On 11th May, ahead of the REPowerEU plan, Corporate Leaders Group (CLG) Europe published a joint letter that advocated for increased ambition on the Renewable Energy Directive, and advocated for increased ambition and action on the Energy Efficiency Directive and Energy Performance of Building Directives.
In a joint statement published on 11th May, energy-intensive industry associations including Eurofer, CEMBUREAU, FuelsEurope and International Federation of Industrial Energy Consumers did not support reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), including the proposal to strengthen the Market Stability Reserve and rebase the emissions cap. The associations also did not support the EU Commission’s proposed Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), suggesting that the free allocation of emissions allowances in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) should be maintained until 2030.
Eurelectric released its recommendations to the EU Parliament’s Environment Committee on the 10th May, ahead of its vote on the EU Emission Trading System’s (EU ETS) reforms. The group supported the overall ambition in the European Commission’s proposal and measures to strengthen the effectiveness of the EU ETS. However, Eurelectric also supported the financing of fossil gas projects under the EU Modernisation Fund.
In a joint letter on 18th May, companies including Ford Motor, Volvo Cars, Iberdrola, Vattenfall, Uber, Unilever, and EDP urged the European Parliament and EU governments to support a 2035 diesel and petrol phase out date for new cars in Europe. The letter also stated support for all cars and vans on the road to reach zero-emissions by 2050.
In a report published on 28th June, Verband der Chemischen Industrie (VCI) emphasized its opposition to the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), advocating for climate clubs instead. Additionally, a Euractiv article from 22nd June reported on VCI opposing the EU Parliament's CBAM compromise, calling it a “legally uncertain bureaucratic monster prone to abuse.”
In press releases published on 22nd June, Eurofer, Eurometaux and CEMBUREAU stated positions on the EU Parliament’s proposals for a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Eurometaux advocated against the inclusion of indirect emissions in the CBAM, whilst CEMBUREAU supported it. However, CEMBUREAU, Eurometaux and Eurofer all advocated for a slower phase out of the free allocation of emissions allowances in the EU ETS. Eurofer also did not support proposals to strengthen the Market Stability Reserve and to rebase the emissions cap.
In a 22nd June joint letter to the EU Council, industry associations including Eurogas and Gas Distributors for Sustainability (GD4S) called for the EU Energy Efficiency Directive revision to extend the energy savings obligation to include renewable and decarbonized gases in the residential heating sector.
In a position paper, published on 13th June, CEMBUREAU opposed the removal of taxation exemptions for mineralogical processes in the reform of the Energy Taxation Directive, and stressed the policy should avoid overlap with the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). On the 17th June, CEMBUREAU also published responses to the EU Commission’s consultations on the Renewable Energy Directive reform Delegated Act on fuels of Renewable Non Biological Origin (RNFBOs), both of which did not support the EU Commission’s proposal. The association did not support simultaneity and location criteria, and suggested that CO2 accounting for GHG savings from recycled carbon fuels should not apply upstream.
In a June 14th press release, Ryanair supported the expansion of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) to include flights departing the EEA, as proposed by EU Parliament. Ryanair’s CEO, Michael O’Leary, further described the current intra-EEA scope “absurd, unfair and inexplicable” and called on EU member states and Frans Timmermans to support the Parliamentary vote. However, in a June 9th press release, International Air Transport Association's (IATA) CEO, Willie Walsh, opposed the application of the EU ETS to flights departing the EEA, appearing to argue it may derail decarbonization efforts in faster growing markets outside of Europe. Instead, Walsh supported regulation through CORSIA. Likewise, in a June 8th statement on the EU Parliamentary vote, Airlines for Europe (A4E) appeared to also oppose an extension of the EU ETS to flights departing the EEA, the phase-out of free emissions allowances by 2025, and the inclusion of non-CO2 emissions within the EU ETS. In the statement, A4E welcomed the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel allowances by Parliament.
In a joint letter on June 17th, Hydrogen Europe, Siemens Energy and Cummins urged the EU to adopt a 6% 2030 e-fuel target in the FuelEU Maritime, alongside a 5x e-fuel multiplier to promote their use.
On June 8th, Politico reported on a study commissioned by easyJet and Ryanair, which appears supportive of the inclusion of international flights in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). The report concluded that EU measures applying only to intra-EEA flights jeopardize 73% of emissions savings and encourage passengers to switch to non-EU destinations, while applying regulations to all flights doesn't lead to destination swapping.
Ahead of the plenary votes in the EU Parliament on the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) reform and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) on 8th June, the Verband der Chemischen Industrie (VCI) published a press release in which director general Große-Entrup stated the association's opposition to the proposed ETS reforms and emphasized the potential negative impacts of CBAM on the chemical sector.
On June 9th, European automotive industry associations including ACEA and VDA opposed the European Parliament’s plenary vote on a 2035 zero-emissions CO2 target for cars and vans. ACEA President and BMW CEO, Oliver Zipse, expressed his concern with the outcome and called for a halfway review to define post-2030 targets. Volvo Cars, on the other hand, appeared to support the decision, with CEO Jim Rowan stating: "given the climate crisis we all face, this demonstration of global leadership will help ensure the EU delivers on the goals of the Paris Agreement, which require 100 percent zero tailpipe emission vehicle sales in Europe by 2035".
In a statement published on 31st June, BusinessEurope did not support the EU Parliament Environment Committee’s proposed reform to the EU Emissions Trading System for aviation to extend the scope of the scheme to all intra- and inter- EU flights, stressing the risks of unilateral action.
In a position paper published on 19th May, Eurofer advocated to weaken the reform of the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) by supporting the inclusion of recycled carbon fuels and advocating for more flexible additionality criteria. The association also did not support proposed GHG emission standards for cogeneration in the Energy Efficiency Directive reform.
In a position paper published on 19th May, Eurofer advocated for the continuation of current carbon leakage protection measures under the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) until at least 2030, alongside the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The association also did not support proposed reforms to the EU ETS, such as strengthening the Market Stability Reserve and rebasing the emissions cap. The Director General Axel Eggert came out against the EU Parliament Environment Committee’s vote to increase the ambition of the EU ETS and the CBAM, opposing the new phaseout date of 2030.
In a press release on 23rd May, thyssenkrupp stressed that the reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) must not be too ambitious, in response to the EU Parliament Environment Committee’s vote to increase the ambition of the policy reform. The company was also unsupportive of the decision to speed up the phase out of the free allocation of emissions allowances alongside a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and suggested that companies investing in decarbonization should be exempt from this phase out.
The news outlet Echodonia reported on 13th May that Cemex did not support reforms to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), stressing the costs from high carbon prices. It also advocated for a gradual reduction of the free allocation of emissions allowances in the EU ETS alongside the implementation of a Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
In a letter to members of the EU Parliament's Environment Committee on 10th May, BusinessEurope opposed the proposed 2035 phase out for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles on the basis of technology neutrality.
In a 12th May statement, the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) communicated high-level support for the EU's Renewable Energy Directive and other renewable energy incentives, including power purchase agreements. In the same statement, ERT supported an acceleration of energy efficiency initiatives, and for a number of measures to strengthen the proposed Energy Efficiency Directive.
According to a May 11th 2022 Politico report, a proposal by Airlines for Europe (A4E) advocated for continued free emissions allowances for aviation under the EU Emissions Trading System, allocated based on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) usage. The proposal argues the mechanisms would incentivize the deployment of SAFs more than a mandate.
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The 50 Most Influential Companies and Industry Associations Blocking Climate Policy Action Globally
To qualify, a company must exhibit sufficient support for ambitious climate policy, strategic levels of engagement with climate policy, and leadership in its sector. Links to industry associations egregiously opposing climate policy can disqualify a company from the list.
These groups are funded by some of Europe’s largest corporations including Volkswagen Group, LafargeHolcim, TotalEnergies, Repsol, and ArcelorMittal, all of whom are now touting net-zero targets for climate, as well as supporting climate science and the UNFCCC process in the run-up to COP26.
New research shows the aviation sector has emerged as one of the strongest opponents of climate policy in Europe. While many industrial sectors are in the process of transformation in response to the EU’s strengthened climate agenda, the aviation sector has instead pursued a lobbying strategy to ...
Amid the escalating climate emergency and resurgence of global political will to address it, a rift has emerged between groups representing the voice of business on climate policy in the EU, Japan and the US.
Despite the CA100+ initiative having clear expectations on Paris-aligned lobbying, only 2 of the 31 CA100+ target companies found to be engaging on the taxonomy appear to be supportive of its science-based guidance with 4 companies advocating mixed or unclear positions, leaving more than 80% push...
The UK Governments ambitions on transport decarbonization are likely at risk due to the influence of a minority group of automotive interests opposed to binding policy on an internal combustion engine (ICE) phase out.
European companies backing robust, science-based regulation on CO2 emissions under the EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy are also performing better on stock markets when compared with their peers that are opposing the same policy, according to analysis of InfluenceMap's policy position scores and f...
FinanceMap's Asset Managers and Climate Change for 2021 looks at the sector's performance on portfolios, stewardship (engagement), and shareholder resolutions.
Intensive lobbying throughout 2020 from real economy sectors has extracted significant concessions from the European Commission on its EU Sustainable Finance taxonomy.
New research from InfluenceMap shows the oil and gas sector to have dominated climate-related policy battles throughout COVID-19 crisis.
New analysis from InfluenceMap has tracked significant lobbying on the EU Ecolabel since late 2018, as part of a wider ongoing research process covering the EUs Sustainable Finance Action Plan and how the corporate sector is influencing the process.
A new briefing from UK based think tank InfluenceMap shows how the European Central Bank (ECB) has embarked on its Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme (PEPP) bond buying progamme that has spent 50bn in the last three weeks.
In this briefing, InfluenceMap looks at evidence in two areas on the COVID-19 crisis' intersection with climate lobbying.
An analysis of how business has sought to influence this key EU policy
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A detailed analysis of key trade groups and how they are positioning themselves for the future of climate in Europe
The last few years has seen a significant reduction in the tax North Sea operators pay to extract oil and gas, to the point where the UK Treasury is now paying the sector £24m per year to operate. The industry has achieved this by a variety of influencing tactics aimed at multiple levels of the ...
Since the conception of the EU ETS over a decade ago, the European cement industry has succeeded in crippling the original ambition of the policy, which was to decarbonise European industry, whilst booking billions of Euros in pure profits from the allocation of credits.
New analysis, requested by the Greens/EFA Group within the European Parliament, reveals a strong correlation between the obstructionist attitudes of key automotive manufacturers toward EU NOx policy and the position of the member states that ...
The clear trend is greater disclosure by the oil/gas industry of regulatory risk posed by climate policy with emphasis of a likely shift following the Paris Agreement. Chevron, ConocoPhillips, ExxonMobil and Valero Energy all imply that significant regulatory risk at the national levels is on ...
InfluenceMap's detailed analysis shows that BusinessEurope appears to be misrepresenting European Business on climate issues.
A year on from Paris, France comes top in the analysis of the G7 countries but there is significant misalignment among other members on their commitment to phase out fossil fuel subsidies by 2025.
New research by InfluenceMap finds that the European cement industry is not disclosing the financial risks it would face in response to a meaningful price on carbon, while continuing to undermine regulations that would enable such a price.
