The first inter-institutional negotiations on a new European voluntary certification framework for carbon removals were held on Tuesday 28 November.
The Commission’s proposal, presented in November 2022 (see EUROPE 13074/9), aims to establish a mechanism to improve the EU’s ability to measure, monitor and certify carbon removals. This will encourage their use and boost the confidence of stakeholders and the industry, while combating greenwashing.
At this first trilogue, the institutions presented their initial positions.
The Council of the EU adopted its mandate on 18 November (see EUROPE 13295/7). The proposed regulation would cover a range of carbon removal methods, including industrial technologies and agricultural practices, such as forest restoration and soil and wetland management, as well as carbon storage in sustainable products.
Member States also include certification for certain agricultural activities that reduce soil emissions, provided that they improve the soil’s carbon balance. Certified activities must meet four criteria: quantification, additionality, long-term storage and sustainability (QU.ALITY). The Commission will develop specific certification methodologies for each type of activity, with adaptations made by the Member States to take account of the specific characteristics of the activities.
The certification process will comprise two stages, including an independent audit and renewal of the certificate every 5 years. The Council also called for the creation of an electronic register to store and make accessible certification documents.
Parliament’s position (see EUROPE 13297/6) insists that this system must comply with international standards and recommends a European register to guarantee transparency and prevent fraud and double counting of carbon removals. MEPs stress the importance of differentiating the definitions and criteria for various types of carbon storage, given their different environmental impacts and effects.
The technical meetings will now begin. The next political trilogue will not take place until 2024, under the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)