EU ETS emissions fall 1.3% in 2025; maritime emissions down 3%

The figures are based on data reported by EU member states as of the 31 March 2026 deadline, covering stationary installations, maritime, and aviation operators.

IMAGE: Wind blowing pollution from a coal-burning power plant. Getty Images

Emissions covered by the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) have fallen by 1.3% in 2025 compared to 2024 levels, continuing the steady downward trend of emissions, the European Commission said.

In the maritime sector, the EU ETS functions as a carbon pricing mechanism requiring shipowners to purchase allowances for their emissions. This increases conventional fuel costs and incentivises a shift toward cleaner fuels.

Since the ETS was launched in 2005, the system has halved emissions in the sectors it covers. It remains on track to achieve the 2030 target of a 62% reduction, the European Commission said in its statement.

In the maritime sector, early data indicates emissions have declined by around 3%, marking an initial shift following shipping’s inclusion in the EU carbon market.

Reporting for both aviation and maritime is still ongoing, and final emissions trends will only become clear once the full dataset has been submitted.

By Gautamee Hazarika

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