As Europe’s green transition faces growing political and economic pressure, can the EU stay the course on climate action?
Joining host Aoife White is Jos Delbeke, a key architect of the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS).
In this episode, Delbeke explains how carbon pricing works and why it remains central to Europe’s climate strategy. As companies call for slower reforms and continued free allowances, he argues that the system is doing what it was designed to do: drive investment in clean technologies while cutting emissions.
The conversation explores rising concerns about competitiveness, particularly in energy-intensive industries, and the growing pressure from global players like China and the United States. Are current fears justified or is this a moment of transition rather than crisis?
Delbeke also makes the case that climate policy is not just about emissions, but about security: reducing dependence on fossil fuel imports and strengthening Europe’s economic resilience.
Despite political pushback and global uncertainty, he remains cautiously optimistic, pointing to rapid advances in clean technology and tangible progress in reducing emissions.
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