Aviation Emissions: Equitable Measures Under the EU ETS

The EU resolved, beginning in 2012, to begin application of its emissions trading system to flights landing in or departing EU territory—including international flights. The decision was met with strong resistance from the international community. The European Court of Justice, however, found in favor of the EU with a ruling that EU regulatory authority extends to flights arriving in or departing its territory. Under continued protest, the EU has delayed application of the regulations in order to give the International Civil Aviation Organization an opportunity to study the problem and craft a solution.