EU in the process of redefining its stance on IMO Net-Zero framework

After the postponement of the vote on the NZF at IMO MEPC in October, the EU is still in the process of assessing possible steps ahead. At a meeting with the European Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas that ADS Insight had the opportunity to take part in, the Commissioner explained the EU still is somewhat “traumatised by what happened in October last year” at the IMO. We understand that some EU Member States are still rather upset with Cyprus and Greece for stepping away from the EU line on this and it seems that the key priority for the European Commission is to establish EU unity. Numerous internal Commission discussions are taking place on the issue, with the goal to find a solution going forward. The fact that Greece is now working with Saudi Arabia on a joint submission on the NZF, as reported by Greek media^[1] may complicate things further.

Commissioner Tzitzikostas went as far as saying that he is “not very optimistic” on the IMO / NZF issue, since the US is likely to continue pressuring countries to reject any form of global solution. That said, he wants the EU to “stick to the plan”, keep supporting countries and try to get them (back) onboard. He underlined the importance of playing it carefully, in light of the volatile geopolitical situation that we know.

[1] https://ypen.gov.gr/papastavrou-gia-riant-i-ellada-einai-mia-foni-realismou-stin-evropi-oson-afora-tin-energeia/