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Euractiv
6 days ago
- Business
- Euractiv
Our climate hopes hinge on ETS 2; attack it at our peril
Bernd Weber is founder and CEO of the Brussels- and Berlin-based Think Tank EPICO and Adjunct Professor at the College of Europe in Natolin. With the EU's 2040 climate target now on the table, policymakers face a fundamental question: Can Europe deliver on its ambition? The answer does not lie in adjusting a few percentage points of a CO₂ reduction target, but in preserving the core instrument that drives emissions cuts – the new Emissions Trading System for buildings and transport, ETS 2, which covers sectors responsible for more than 40% of EU emissions. Carbon pricing is indispensable for reaching Europe's climate goals. It aligns decarbonisation with innovation, cost efficiency, and investment certainty – without adding bureaucratic complexity. This approach has already proven effective under ETS 1: while heavily subsidised and fragmented policies in buildings and transport have reduced emissions by only 17.6% since 2005, ETS 1 sectors have cut nearly 50%. Europe cannot afford to abandon this market-based logic in its climate policy; it must expand it to all sectors. But before it even begins, ETS 2 is under attack. Though agreed by co-legislators and slated to launch in 2027, a group of 18 member states is now calling for softer implementation, including major changes to the Market Stability Reserve (MSR). Some, like the Czech Republic and Estonia, are demanding a delay or even an opt-out. Poland has gone further, questioning ETS 2 entirely – and with it, the entire European Green Deal. Let's be clear: weakening ETS 2 would be a political mistake and a strategic failure. There is no credible Plan B. The integration of ETS 2, alongside the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), would strengthen European leadership in climate action, technology, and innovation and help spur the adoption of carbon pricing worldwide . Cancelling or postponing ETS2 due to political pressure would set a dangerous precedent. It would open the floodgates to weaken also ETS 1, undermine investor confidence, and damage the credibility of EU climate policy at home and abroad. It would cast doubt on ongoing investment and innovation waves across sectors. That's why we must defend ETS 2 and ensure it is ready for implementation across all member states. Resistance to ETS 2 is driven by understandable fears about social equity and price spikes. Households – especially those with low to middle incomes and in rural areas – may face higher heating and mobility costs without already accessible green alternatives. But the right response is not delay – it is pragmatic delivery. And that means unlocking early support where it's needed most. The EU can frontload a share of ETS2's expected revenues. Member states could advance up to €50 billion in future auction proceeds from 2033 to 2035 to fund clean mobility, energy-efficient buildings, and direct support for vulnerable households – starting immediately. In addition, a targeted MSR reform, extending its operation beyond 2030, can help maintain price stability, which is critical to sustaining climate ambition, protecting investor trust, and avoiding politically motivated interventions. This strategy enables a 'soft landing' for ETS 2 by combining the efficiency of carbon pricing with timely social support, and accelerating the deployment of infrastructure and technologies. It avoids steep price shocks in the short to medium term without distorting market signals. Now, as most member states have missed the deadline to submit their Social Climate Plans, it is increasingly clear that the problem is not ETS 2, it's a lack of preparation. Delaying action will not make decarbonisation fairer or more affordable. It will only raise the long-term cost for citizens and further erode the EU's climate, economic, and social credibility. If we are serious about our climate targets, it is high time to defend Europe's market-based climate policy – not to undermine it.
Scotsman
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Ex-EU diplomat brands SNP Government decision to axe Europe scholarships as 'Scottish Brexit'
Federica Mogherini, former vice-president of the European Commission, has spoken about the Scottish Government's decision to axe scholarship funding. Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The European Union's former foreign policy chief has criticised the Scottish Government's decision to end postgraduate scholarship funding for Scots to attend a prestigious European college, branding the move 'regrettable'. Federica Mogherini, former vice-president of the European Commission, agreed the decision to end the scholarships with the College of Europe amounted to a 'Scottish Brexit'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The college is a leading EU affairs institution that Ms Mogherini described as the 'education institution of the European Union'. Ms Mogherini, now rector of the College of Europe, said the decision by SNP ministers went 'against the trend'. She said: 'It is as if you were working on enlargement, and at the same time you have Brexit'. The Saltire alongside a European Union flag. The Bruges-based college - often described as the EU's equivalent of Oxbridge and founded with the support of Sir Winston Churchill - is just a stone's throw from the Brussels institutions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The college is widely regarded as a fast-track into EU and national policymaking. Among UK alumni are UK health minister Stephen Kinnock, former SNP MEP Alyn Smith, and former deputy prime minister Sir Nick Clegg. Ms Mogherini's rare intervention follows the quiet cancellation of a long-standing Scottish Government scholarship scheme that funds up to three Scottish students. Although the college receives substantial EU funding, the Scottish Government's contribution covers tuition, accommodation and totals roughly £85,000 annually. While insiders cite budgetary pressures, the cuts follow a broader decline in UK government funding for EU affairs training that began in the David Cameron years, when UK-wide scholarships peaked at more than two dozen. Today, only the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office funds a handful of places for its civil servants. Ms Mogherini said this latest cut caused 'regret - I wish that this decision can be reviewed, changed … even partially'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad College of Europe rector Federica Mogherini at the opening of the 2021-22 academic year at the College of Europe. Picture: James Arthur Gekiere/AFP via Getty Images | BELGA MAG/AFP via Getty Images The rector said: 'It's not only because we value enormously Scottish students being part of the college, but also because since I started as rector, we've invested enormously in expanding the scholarship schemes.' '[The Scottish Government scholarship], it's one that has always been there … supporting students that are very good and who contribute, I believe, in a crucial manner to keeping Scotland and the European Union connected.' Over the past ten months, students at the college have met top EU figures, including the European Commission president, multiple current and former commissioners, and leaders such as the Prime Ministers of Malaysia and Luxembourg, the Spanish King, and Catalonia's regional president. Ms Mogherini said the scholarship scheme's main advantage was giving graduates 'access to the [Brussels] network'. She said: 'Being connected with a network of alumni and professors that are into EU affairs, I wouldn't say it can ever substitute for being a member state. but at least it gives you a glimpse and a hook to what is happening inside the European institutions. So institutionally, it's important. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Our students focus on the European integration process. But obviously also Brexit - the one element of disintegration that happened recently - is a matter of not only studies, but also discussion, and the Scottish perspective on that is particularly important to have in the college community. 'I think it's also important from a societal point of view, because it keeps the Scottish students, and through them Scottish society. connected with the EU environment. It preserves the memory … the institutional memory and maybe prepares for the future.' The latest cuts form part of a broader set of budget-tightening measures in October last year affecting both the Scottish Government's education and skills portfolio, as well as its international footprint. This included withdrawing funding for Scotland Europa, a Brussels-based network that for 33 years has supported Scottish businesses and public agencies by promoting their interests within the EU's institutions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Despite an increase of £1,126.6 million to the Scottish Government budget in the autumn, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'We are facing the most challenging fiscal climate since devolution and it is vital that we ensure all available funding is used to maximum effect. 'The historical arrangement between the Scottish Government and the College of Europe provided support via SAAS for a maximum of three students per year at a cost of around €33,000 [£28,495] per student.' The spokesperson added that 'financial support will continue to be available for students who require to spend time abroad as part of their course requirements with a UK institution and [that] scholarships are available for Scottish students to the College of Europe through the Brunat Scholarships Fund' - a small private initiative not funded by the Government. The priorities of these recent cuts appear to contradict the First Minister's recent remarks at Edinburgh's Scotland 2050 conference. Mr Swinney had described a future Scotland as 'a nation state in our own right, as a member state of … the world's biggest single social and economic community, the European Union'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scottish Secretary Ian Murray said: 'The UK Government ended austerity, with the budget last October delivering over £5 billion extra for Scottish public services in this year alone. 'That is more funding than ever before … many students and academics will rightly expect the Scottish Government to invest that extra cash in devolved policy areas, such as higher education." Paul Anderson, the sole Scottish graduate at the college's new Albanian campus, said: "The EU and the countries of the Western Balkans are taking the accession process seriously and the opportunities provided by the Tirana campus demonstrate their commitment. "It was a privilege to be part of the first cohort and share my insights as a Scottish islander with the group, which included many students' first Burns Supper. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "Without the scholarship, it would have been difficult for me take up my place at the college. Post-Brexit, it is more important than ever that we maintain as many ties as possible with our European friends.' Labour MP Chris Murray also stressed the need to 'engage with our European friends and neighbours', adding: 'I want to see more engagement, not less'.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Queen Letizia of Spain Does Denim Dressing in Carolina Herrera for Royal Engagement
Queen Letizia of Spain embraced a classic silhouette with contemporary flair for her latest royal outing on Monday in Montserrat, Spain. The royal couple attended a ceremony to commemorate the 1,000th anniversary of the foundation of the Monastery of Montserrat alongside their 21-year-old marriage, King Felipe VI. For the summertime outing, Queen Letizia opted for a sleeveless denim dress courtesy of Carolina Herrera, a designer the Spanish royal regularly wears. The fit-and-flare midi dress is crafted from cotton denim and accented with vertical seams and contrasting stitching. More from WWD Brad Pitt's Girlfriend Ines de Ramon Sticks to No-makeup Makeup Trend for 'F1: The Movie' Premiere in London Selena Gomez Debuts New '70s-inspired Shag Hairstyle and Fresh Bob Trim Tyla Channels Y2K Glamour in Roberto Cavalli Minidress at Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards 2025 Elements of the Carolina Herrera-designed dress included a round neckline, side pockets and a belted waist with buckle lined in the same fabric. The belt detail gave the dress added definition to the silhouette, creating a form-fitting look and feel with classic elements married to a contemporary edge. For the finishing touches to her look, Queen Letizia added a pair of patent leather red shoes with a slight heel and buckle details. She also wore a pair of delicate earrings with green colorways. Her glam included bold brows and lined eyes, with her hair styled with a side part. Carolina Herrera is a prominent designer in Queen Letizia's royal wardrobe. The Spanish royal recently wore another look by the Venezuelan American fashion designer on Friday for the celebration of the 2024-2025 academic year of the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium. The elegant blue midi dress was paired with heels courtesy of Spanish brand Magrit. Rewears, a popular trend among royals, are also a staple of Queen Letizia's wardrobe, with Carolina Herrera designs among the Spanish royal's go-to pieces. In December 2024, Queen Letizia re-wore the designer's Poppy Print Knit Skirt in black, pairing it with a red blouse and black boots. The summer 2024 season also saw several Carolina Herrera designs worn by Queen Letizia. The Spanish royal wore a floral shirtdress from the designer's CH Carolina Herrera label and a red midi dress for the 2024 Union of European Football Associations Championship Euro match, both occasions in July 2024. View Gallery Launch Gallery: Queen Letizia's Style Through the Years: The Best Looks So Far [PHOTOS] Best of WWD Labubu vs. 'Lafufu': How to Spot the Differences Between Real and Fake Bob Haircut Trend: Leslie Bibb, Halle Berry & More Looks [Photos] Kate Middleton's Royal Ascot Outfits Through the Years: Seeing Red in Alexander McQueen, Whimsical Hats and More Looks
