The European Parliament’s Transport and Tourism Committee (TRAN) met on 5 November to hear the European Commission’s feedback on the extraordinary session of the International Maritime Organization’s Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC). The session, held from 14–17 October, resulted in member states voting to postpone the adoption of the global net-zero framework for shipping by at least one year.
DG MOVE’s Fotini Ioannidou explained that despite broad support earlier this year, geopolitical tensions—including opposition from the US—prevented consensus. A proposal led by Saudi Arabia to delay the framework received a majority. EU member states largely voted against, with Greece and Cyprus abstaining.
Ioannidou stressed that the postponement does not affect EU rules such as the maritime Emissions Trading System (ETS), which will continue to apply until a global measure is in place. She added that the Commission remains committed to securing an agreement in 2026 and is analysing the implications of the delay, including risks of carbon leakage.
MEPs expressed concerns about competitiveness, uncertainty for the maritime sector, and the need to maintain EU unity. EPP and S&D members called for clearer strategies to support ports and shipping operators, while some Groups warned that regional measures without global alignment could undermine the EU’s position.
The Commission confirmed that the ETS review has started and that upcoming initiatives—including the Sustainable Transport Investment Plan and an EU port strategy—will support the sector’s transition. If no global agreement is reached next year, adjustments to EU legislation may be needed to protect competitiveness while advancing decarbonisation.