Belgian MEP Johan Van Overtveldt (ECR) has questioned the European Commission about the impending expiry of the 'stop-the-clock' derogation for aviation under the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), warning that an automatic extension to all flights between the European Economic Area (EEA) and non-EEA countries could trigger trade disputes and harm European industry. In a written parliamentary question submitted on 17 June 2026, Van Overtveldt noted that the Commission's Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA) indicated at a 12 May 2026 stakeholder workshop that the forthcoming ETS revision may extend the system to outbound flights from the EEA to non-EEA countries. The current scope is limited to intra-EEA flights under Article 28a(2) of Directive 2003/87/EC, a derogation that expires at the end of 2026. Unless further action is taken, the ETS would automatically apply to both inbound and outbound flights between the EEA and non-EEA countries before co-legislators have decided on the Commission's proposal. Van Overtveldt asks how the Commission intends to address the expiry while negotiations are ongoing, and whether it recognises that an automatic extension could negatively impact commitments under the International Civil Aviation Organization's Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA), create tensions with international partners, and risk trade disputes that might severely affect the entire European industry, including aeronautics. The question contains concrete asks: the Commission must clarify its legal strategy to avoid automatic application and assess diplomatic and economic risks.
The policy orientation is cautious, prioritising international coordination and industry protection over rapid unilateral expansion. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks; its answer will signal whether it shares Van Overtveldt's concerns or plans to proceed with broader ETS coverage.