VALLETTA (MALTA) (ITALPRESS/MNA) – Malta has joined several European Union member states calling for a revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) to protect economic competitiveness while maintaining climate objectives.
Environment Minister Miriam Dalli outlined Malta’s position during a meeting of the EU Environment Council, stressing the need for a predictable system that offers all member states a realistic pathway towards decarbonisation.
Dalli reaffirmed Malta’s support for an effective ETS to reduce emissions but emphasised that the revised framework must take national circumstances into account.
She highlighted the importance of maritime transport and aviation to Malta, describing both sectors as essential for connectivity, the supply of essential goods and economic activity.
The minister warned that climate measures should not undermine the competitiveness of countries heavily dependent on these sectors.
Malta’s priorities include safeguarding connectivity and security of supply, addressing carbon leakage in maritime transport and aviation, and ensuring sufficient flexibility and support for a fair transition.
Carbon leakage could occur if maritime and aviation traffic shifts to non-EU countries with less stringent climate requirements, potentially reducing the environmental benefits of EU policies.
“We want the EU ETS to deliver real emissions reductions and give every member state the means to contribute, while taking into account our different national circumstances,” Dalli said.
Meanwhile, Transport Malta and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings have signed a Shore Power Purchase Agreement to allow the company’s passenger ships to connect to Malta’s electricity grid while docked in port.
The agreement forms part of efforts to improve air quality in surrounding communities by reducing emissions from ships at berth. Through the Shore-to-Ship project, vessels can use electricity supplied from the shore to power onboard services, including lighting and air conditioning, reducing the need to operate their engines while docked.
The agreement is the fourth shore power supply deal signed by Transport Malta and is expected to encourage greater use of local shore power infrastructure.
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(ITALPRESS).
