Since the EU wants to become a real role model in the climate transition, it is not enough to simply reduce emissions. An EU that restricts production and forces companies to relocate abroad risks acting as a deterrent, which is the last thing that climate change efforts need.
Swedish Enterprise strongly believes that the effort sharing targets for member states must be shared on the basis of cost effectiveness instead of the current model. The current system which is based on GDP per capita is not cost-efficient. Further, if the EU is to reach net zero by 2050, it is urgent that all member states start on a path to net zero as soon as possible within the ESR. Not increasing targets within the ESR in the most cost-effective matter possible would be a disservice to the countries which have yet to start on an ambitious path towards net zero.
Given that a large portion of the emissions in the EU is covered by the ESR and that only a minority of the member states have introduced a carbon tax, we believe that a minimum carbon tax should be introduced in all member states. Doing so would create momentum for decreasing emissions within the ESR as cost-efficient as possible. However, it is essential to underline that a new minimum carbon tax must not interfere with the EU ETS and that no double pricing of emissions must take place. It is also important that double regulation should be avoided.
Please read the comments from the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise on the consultation on the ESR below.
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