The EU emissions trading system has reduced emissions by 50% since its introduction.

Omissions

• The 50% reduction refers specifically to emissions in sectors covered by the EU ETS, not to total EU-wide greenhouse gas emissions. The ETS covers approximately 40% of EU emissions.
• The reduction is measured against the 2005 baseline (the year the EU ETS was introduced), not against a more recent reference year.
• The MEP stated '50%, and more than that' — the European Commission's 2025 Carbon Market Report confirms emissions are 'around 50% below 2005 levels', and the 2025 State of the EU ETS Report notes 'over 50%' of the 2030 target has been achieved, supporting the 'more than that' qualifier.

Sources

• PrimaryEuropean Commission – Climate ActionEU emissions under the Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) have now dropped by 50% compared to 2005, with 2024 seeing another 5% reduction.
• PrimaryEuropean Commission – 2025 Carbon Market ReportEU ETS emissions from power and industry installations are around 50% below 2005 levels and the EU ETS is on track to achieve the 2030 target.
• SecondaryICAP Carbon Action – EU ETS FactsheetBy 2024, covered emissions were around 50% below 2005 levels.