Commission launches public consultation on CO2 markets and infrastructure

The European Commission has identified the need to considerably scale-up and invest in clean energy infrastructure and technologies, such as CO₂ infrastructure and storage, as we work to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. For this reason, the Commission has today launched an open public consultation on upcoming legislation and impact assessment on CO₂ markets and infrastructure in the EU. The consultation is open until 9 January 2026. The feedback received will inform the Commission's initiative planned for 2026.

Amongst other things, the consultation builds on the Communication on the 2040 Climate Target and its impact assessment, which recognise the role of carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) in reducing harmful emissions from hard-to-abate sectors. Furthermore, the Industrial Carbon Management Strategy (COM/2024/62) recognises the need for a legislative initiative with a view to develop competitive markets and transportation infrastructure for CO2.

Background

The EU is committed to achieving climate neutrality by 2050 to limit global warming to 1.5 °C with ambitious and pragmatic intermediary targets. Achieving these targets and weaning off the EU's reliance on fossil fuels requires decisive climate action across all sectors of the economy.

The Industrial carbon management strategy, through CCUS, has an important role to play in mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. Industrial carbon management is a sound and important building block for a sustainable and competitive economy in Europe. The EU has the opportunity to create an economic edge in industrial carbon management technologies, opening up global business opportunities.

Related links

• Open public consultation
• Industrial carbon management
• Clean Industrial Deal
• Communication on a 2040 climate target and its impact assessment
• Industrial Carbon Management Strategy (COM/2024/62)