The European Commission's revenues from the Emissions Trading System alone amounted to more than €43 billion last year.

Omissions

• The European Commission's own official page specifies that of the >€43 billion in 2025 ETS revenues, only 'some €24 billion directly benefiting EU Member States', with the remainder supplying EU funds (Innovation Fund, Modernisation Fund, etc.). The claim's framing as 'the Commission's revenues' omits that the bulk accrues to Member States and dedicated EU funds rather than to the Commission's budget.
• The figure refers to total EU ETS auction revenues, not to a single actor's income; the speaker's phrasing may create the impression that the Commission itself retains the entire amount.

Sources

• PrimaryEuropean Commission – EU Climate Action: 'What are ETS revenues used for?'In 2025 alone, ETS revenues totalled more than €43 billion, with some €24 billion directly benefiting EU Member States. The remainder supplied ... (also: 'From 2013 to the end of 2025, EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) auctions have raised over €258 billion in revenue.')
• SecondaryCarbon Market Watch – 'Despite the political noise, support for the EU ETS is overwhelming'With around €43 billion in ETS revenues generated in 2025 alone, the carbon market also represents a powerful tool to strengthen Europe's ...
• SecondaryIndustriALL Europe – 'EU ETS revision: Trade unions demand a tool for a just transition'Current ETS auction revenues - €43 billion in 2025 alone - represent a missed opportunity.