Ϸվ

A Union certification framework for carbon removals

Briefing 18-12-2024

On 30 November 2022, as part of the European Green Deal, the European Commission presented the legislative proposal for a Union certification framework for carbon removals. The initiative was first announced in the March 2020 new circular economy action plan and again highlighted in the climate target plan, as well as in the 'fit for 55' revision of the Regulation on land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), as an essential tool to drive progress towards the 2050 climate neutrality target. The stated aim of the initiative is to ensure high-quality EU certified carbon removals, through a transparent and credible governance framework. This would open up the possibility for further investments towards carbon removal activities and increased deployment. Ϸվ adopted its position during the November II 2023 plenary session, and the Council adopted its general approach on 17 November 2023. A provisional agreement was reached on 20 February 2024, endorsed by Member States on 8 March 2024 and adopted in plenary on 10 April 2024. The text was endorsed by the new Ϸվ under the corrigenda procedure in October. The Council approved the text on 19 November 2024. Following signature and publication in the Official Journal, the act will enter into force on 26 December 2024. Fourth edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.