German researchers and NGOs warn EU carbon market reform could weaken climate targets

The European Commission's proposed reform of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has drawn sharp criticism from German researchers and environmental groups, who argue the changes could make it harder for the bloc to meet its climate goals. The reform, which updates the EU's main tool for cutting greenhouse gas emissions beyond 2030, faces pressure from industry and some governments to ease the burden on energy-intensive sectors. While the German government welcomed the proposals as a way to support industries facing technological challenges, climate activists warned the changes would slow emission reductions. Industry groups, meanwhile, said the reform did not go far enough to protect competitiveness. The debate highlights the tension between maintaining the ETS as a market-based driver for decarbonization and addressing economic concerns in hard-to-abate sectors.