Landmark international agreement to curb aviation emissions

October 10, 2016 - The European Commission welcomes the landmark agreement reached last week by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), with the adoption of a Global Market-Based Measure (GMBM) to reduce international aviation emissions.

The European Union and its Member States played an instrumental role in brokering this deal, which constitutes the first-ever agreement to reduce CO2 emissions in a global sector. Days after the ratification of the Paris Agreement by the EU, this new multilateral deal shows that the EU is committed to keep global warming well below 2°C.

It is also a key deliverable under the European Strategy for low-emission mobility. Vice-President for the Energy Union Maroš Šefčovič said, "Yesterday's agreement at the ICAO Assembly is a historic milestone. I am happy to see that EU's commitment and perseverance to find a global solution bears fruit. We are mobilising all our policies towards the competitive, circular and low-carbon economy, as promised in the Energy Union Strategy." 

EU Commissioner for Transport Violeta Bulc said, "This unprecedented agreement opens a new chapter in international aviation, where sustainability finally becomes part of the way we fly. Europe has been continuously advocating global and coordinated action to address the growth of aviation emissions which was otherwise set to reach 300% by 2050. Today European solidarity and perseverance has delivered, allowing us to make a decisive step towards the carbon neutral growth of aviation." 

The agreement reached in Montreal by the ICAO Assembly foresees the establishment of a Global Market-Based Measure (GMBM), which will oblige airlines to offset the growth of their CO2 emissions post-2020. To do so, airlines will buy "emission units" generated by projects reducing CO2 emissions in other sectors of the economy (e.g. renewable energies).

In its first phase (2021-2026), 65 countries will participate on a voluntary basis. All EU Member States will join from the start. Participating countries include 18 out of the top 20 states with the largest international civil aviation activity. In its second phase (2027-2035) participation is mandatory; except for those exempted (countries with small aviation activities). This means around 80% of the emissions above 2020 levels will be offset by the scheme between 2021 and 2035.