Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra has defended the 34% reduction in free emission allowances under the Emissions Trading System (ETS) for 2026-2030 as a legal obligation, while acknowledging industry concerns and pledging to use available flexibilities and a future directive review to support sectors such as Spain's ceramic industry. The answer, given on 22 June 2026, responds to a parliamentary question from Jorge Buxadé Villalba (PfE), who warned that the cuts would impose over EUR 180 million in additional costs on the Spanish ceramic sector, concentrated in the Community of Valencia, and harm competitiveness and jobs.
Hoekstra stated that the reduction rates are in line with the EU's 2050 climate neutrality objective and interim targets, and that the benchmark update for 2026-2030 is a legal obligation under the ETS Directive, which the Commission cannot deviate from without causing uncertainty and delays. He noted that the Commission is applying all possible flexibilities within the existing legal framework and that the upcoming review of the ETS Directive will examine rules on free allocation and consider how to support decarbonisation and electrification investments. The Commission will also propose introducing an empowerment to create further sector-specific fallback benchmarks.
The answer contains no concrete new measures for the ceramic sector but signals a future policy review. The Commission's stance prioritises climate targets over short-term industry competitiveness, with the review expected to address long-term support for affected sectors. Stakeholder impact: Spanish ceramic producers face immediate cost increases; EU industry broadly faces reduced free allowances; climate objectives are advanced; and the Commission maintains legal consistency while deferring relief to a future legislative process.