ETS: an important signal from the European Parliament. The ceramic industry's concerns recognised. Now a united front for the trilogue.

Today, the European Parliament approved by a large majority (474 votes in favour, 82 against and 28 abstentions) its position on the European Commission's proposed revision of the ETS heat and fuel benchmarks for the 2026–2030 period. These benchmarks are used to allocate free emission allowances to companies exposed to the risk of production being relocated abroad due to the additional costs imposed by the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS).

For the first time, the text adopted by the European Parliament in plenary introduces provisions for specific sectoral benchmarks to be established for the ceramic tile and refractory materials industries. A broad majority spanning the different European political groups has recognised that the general fuel benchmark does not adequately reflect the performance and actual technological capabilities of these sectors.

For Confindustria Ceramica, this represents a decisive step forward in a long-standing, collective effort. Alongside ceramic companies, local communities also took part in the consultation launched by the Commission on the revision of the benchmarks, with the involvement of the Emilia-Romagna Regional Government and the mayors of municipalities in the ceramic district. This demonstrates that the issue affects the entire economic and social fabric of the areas where ceramic products are manufactured.

In Brussels, the Italian Government presented the industry's arguments and, by abstaining on the compromise proposed in the Council by the Irish Presidency, emphasised the need to introduce a limited, sector-specific adjustment. This position has now also gained recognition in the European Parliament.

“This vote recognises the legitimate concerns of the ceramic industry,” said Augusto Ciarrocchi, President of Confindustria Ceramica. “We asked Europe to take our concerns into account, and it has responded. Parliament has understood that a single benchmark for all industries is unfair and unjustly penalises a hard-to-abate sector that has invested more than €4.5 billion over the past decade to reduce its emissions. The sector is not inevitably destined for decline: its future depends on the political decisions that are made. We would like to thank all the Members of the European Parliament who supported this approach across political groups, as well as the Government and local communities for working together towards this goal.”

Confindustria Ceramica stresses that the process is not yet complete. The trilogue phase now begins, involving interinstitutional negotiations in which the Council, Parliament and Commission must agree on the final text.

“We must now present a united front in the trilogue,” concluded Ciarrocchi. “We know it will not be easy, but we must secure this essential outcome to support the ongoing decarbonisation efforts of ceramic companies while keeping investment, innovation and employment in Europe. We call on the Government and Parliament to continue to strongly support a sector-specific benchmark for the ceramic industry throughout the negotiations.”