Since its creation, the EU Emissions Trading System has reduced emissions and driven industrial decarbonisation.

Omissions

• The record 2023 reduction of 15.5% was, per the European Commission itself, 'due largely to boost in renewable energy' and energy-market disruptions rather than attributable to the ETS instrument alone.
• Independent analysis (Bruegel) stresses that while the ETS provides the right decarbonisation incentives, 'most industrial decarbonisation is still to come' — the claim's assertion that the ETS 'has driven industrial decarbonisation' overstates the pace of progress in the industry sector relative to the power sector.
• The most recent data available before the session date (2026-09-14) show a modest 1.3% fall in 2025, indicating a slowing rate of decline.

Sources

• PrimaryEuropean Commission – Climate Action (EU ETS emissions fell 50% since 2005)EU emissions under the Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) have now dropped by 50% compared to 2005, with 2024 seeing another 5% reduction.
• PrimaryEuropean Commission – Climate Action (EU ETS sustains downward trend)EU ETS emissions fell 1.3% in 2025, continuing a long-term decline that has halved emissions since 2005.
• PrimaryEuropean Commission – Climate Action (Record reduction of 2023 ETS emissions)The data reported by EU Member States as of 2 April 2024 show a 15.5% decrease in emissions in 2023, compared to 2022 levels. Record reduction of 2023 ETS emissions due largely to boost in renewable energy.
• SecondaryBruegel – The EU emissions trading system works but most industrial decarbonisation is still to comeThe analysis shows that the ETS has provided the right incentives for firms to decarbonise, but uncertainty on future developments might be detrimental.