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Brussels’ anti-climate-dumping quest in the spotlight

(Reuters, 28 Feb 2020) EU trade and industry ministers weighed into a discussion on a carbon border tax on Thursday (27 February), as the bloc’s internal market chief said the tariff will be ready to deploy “as soon as possible”.

The new European Commission is currently working on the jargon-laden ‘carbon border adjustment mechanism’, the purpose of which is to preserve the competitive edge of homegrown industries.

Imports coming into the EU could be hit with a tariff if they do not meet certain environmental standards, such as how carbon-intensive their manufacturing processes are, in an effort to build a green level playing field.

Commission heads like trade boss Phil Hogan, economy chief Paolo Gentiloni and energy Commissioner Kadri Simson are all involved in drafting the tax proposal, which has to be compliant with World Trade Organisation rules.

At the end of a meeting of the competition Council on Thursday, internal market Commissioner Thierry Breton said that his institution “will push for [the tax] to be installed as soon as possible”, adding that it is a “fair and appropriate measure”.

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Reuters, 28 Feb 2020: Brussels’ anti-climate-dumping quest in the spotlight