In Luxembourg today, the EU Transport Council, chaired by the German Council President, Wolfgang Tiefensee, adopted conclusions on the inclusion of aviation in emissions trading. This means that Europe will have a common position at the As-sembly of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which will be held in Montreal in September.
Speaking in Luxembourg, the Federal Minister of Transport, Building and Urban Af-fairs, Wolfgang Tiefensee, said: "Every mode of transport, including the air mode, has to make its contribution to tackling climate change. Since international aviation is currently exempt from the agreements of the Kyoto Protocol on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, other ways of limiting greenhouse gas emissions from aviation have to be sought. One way of ensuring that aviation plays its part in combating climate change is to include aviation in the European emissions trading scheme. The Commission’s pro-posal for a directive is thus a step in the right direction. EU Member States have to-day agreed on conclusions for including aviation in emissions trading. Member States assume that including aviation in the European emissions trading scheme will limit CO2 emissions from aviation.
It is true that the aviation industry has, in the past, helped to limit emissions by im-provements in engine technology. However, these measures alone are not adequate. That is why we have adopted a comprehensive approach comprising a number of elements. Alongside emissions trading, we will further improve technical standards, promote scientific and technological development and create a more efficient air traf-fic management system."
He said that the aim of the conclusions was to convince the other ICAO countries of the need to include aviation in emissions trading. He said there was likely to be a heated debate at the next ICAO Assembly in the autumn on the issue of including third countries with or without their consent.
