Sweden to call for CO2 emissions tax

Sweden, which takes over the Presidency of the EU Council in July 2009, has stated its intention of pushing for an EU-wide tax on carbon dioxide emissions that would apply to industrial sectors not currently covered by the EU’s Emission Trading Scheme (ETSⁱ). Industries currently covered by the EU ETS account for 40% CO₂ emissions in the EU, and Sweden wants legislation proposed that would address the remaining 60% of CO₂ emissions. During the Swedish Presidency, the Commission intends to adopt a proposal on a review of Directive 2003/96/EC on restructuring the EU framework for the taxation of energy products and electricity. It may propose further differentiated taxation according to use and level of CO₂ emissions and examine exemptions for industries that participate in the EU ETS. A closed stakeholder consultation is expected to be held in September.