EuroControl, European Commission reinforce cooperation on climate-change policy

The pan-European civil-military organization EuroControl and the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG Clima) confirmed March 25 their continued collaboration through a new cooperation agreement, further cementing their shared commitment to advancing aviation sustainability and addressing the challenge of climate change. 

This agreement focuses particularly on the new monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) of non-CO2 aviation effects on climate change as part of the Emission Trading System directive. 

The cooperation outlined in the agreement reflects EuroControl’s ongoing role in supporting DG Clima in the development, refinement and execution of policies aimed at reducing aviation climate impacts. 

“EuroControl has been at the forefront of providing technical and operational support for climate-change initiatives since 2010, when we first launched the support facility to assist our stakeholders in implementing the EU Emissions Trading System for aviation and on a more global level, the ICAO Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation,” said Raúl Medina, EuroControl’s director general.   

“We are fully committed to support the inclusion of non-CO2 effects in the ETS monitoring, reporting and verification framework, leveraging our robust IT capabilities, our unique access to trajectory data, and impartial position,” Medina added. “This is a crucial step forward for aviation, addressing its full climate impact. We recognize that aviation’s environmental footprint includes more than just CO2 emissions, with non-CO2 effects like contrails and nitrogen oxides (NOx) playing a significant role in global warming.” 

Wopke Hoekstra, the European Commission’s commissioner for climate, net zero and clean growth, said, “EuroControl has played a crucial role in the implementation of both the EU ETS and CORSIA for aviation, offering invaluable expertise and support. Our current focus is on monitoring the impact of emissions beyond CO2, such as [nitrogen] oxides and contrails, providing the aviation sector with a significant opportunity to take bold climate action. EuroControl is also leading the way in non-CO2-emissions mitigation. Together, we are strengthening the EU’s position as a global leader in climate action, reaffirming our shared commitment to enhancing aviation sustainability and combating climate change.” 

EuroControl’s ongoing collaboration with DG Clima underscores the critical role of the aviation sector in the EU’s climate strategy, highlighting the shared goal of reducing emissions and ensuring sustainable aviation practices for the future.  

This enhanced cooperation is vital for meeting Europe’s environmental objectives and advancing global efforts in tackling climate change.