Druck der Chemieindustrie auf Kanzler Merz: Emissionshandel gefährdet Wettbewerbsfähigkeit

Chemical Industry Under Pressure

The German chemical sector is increasingly exerting pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz as it prepares for a comprehensive overhaul of the EU emissions trading system. According to Markus Steilemann, President of the Chemical Industry Association VCI, the proposed new requirements for the allocation of free emissions certificates are so extensive that they exceed the industry’s transformation capabilities. This could significantly increase investment risks and jeopardize the international competitiveness of Germany and Europe.

In a letter to Merz, which is available to dpa, it becomes clear that the changes proposed by the EU Commission in May, while offering some targeted improvements, do not provide any tangible relief for the chemical industry. The sector continues to face additional burdens amounting to hundreds of millions per year, which could further exacerbate the economic situation.

Emissions Trading as a Central Climate Protection Instrument

Emissions trading is the cornerstone of the EU’s strategy to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Companies are required to account for their emissions of climate-damaging gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), and can trade these rights among themselves. This system is intended to create incentives to reduce greenhouse gases and establish a market price for emitted CO2 tons. Over the years, the number of available certificates will be reduced to efficiently advance climate protection.

The fundamental revision of emissions trading is scheduled for summer, with the EU Commission set to present proposals in July. Germany has advocated for moderate adjustments, particularly regarding the number of free certificates that can be allocated to industrial facilities. This highlights the need for a balance between climate protection and economic viability.

Critical Voices from the Chemical Lobby

The chemical lobby expresses concerns that the determination of the certificate quantity, which is to apply retroactively from 2026 to 2030, will lead to short-term cost decisions that will further burden the sector. While the fundamental rules in emissions trading are being negotiated, this requires time and could neglect the urgency of the current situation.

Moreover, the VCI emphasizes that tightening the requirements is not justified as long as central prerequisites such as sufficient grid connections, competitive electricity and hydrogen prices, and a functioning infrastructure for hydrogen and CO2 are lacking. Steilemann appeals to Merz to advocate for a suspension of the tightening measures with the Commission to secure the competitiveness of the sector.

Long-Term Perspectives for the Chemical Industry

The struggling chemical industry, which has a high energy consumption, has been calling for relief from Brussels for some time. In January, VCI President Steilemann and IG BCE Chief Michael Vassiliadis reached out to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for support. The challenges facing the sector require a clear economic policy response to avoid jeopardizing Germany as a business location and to promote the innovative strength of the chemical industry in the long term. Climate protectors, on the other hand, warn against diluting the system, as this could potentially have negative effects on the environment.