European Union nations have agreed to maintain pressure for global carbon emission fees on maritime transport during UN talks scheduled for next week, setting the stage for another potential confrontation with the United States over the proposal.
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Last year, member states of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) delayed this climate plan by one year after President Donald Trump's administration vehemently opposed the measure, threatening sanctions and visa restrictions on delegates who supported it.
A document outlining the EU's negotiating position for next week's IMO talks, seen by Reuters, reveals that European countries are undeterred and are attempting to revive the plan. The document states that EU nations "will oppose any attempts" to remove climate measures from the negotiations during the meeting.
The document further suggests that EU states would consider modifications to the original carbon fee plan if it helps garner broader support. However, some EU officials expressed pessimism regarding the possibility of reaching a compromise due to the staunch opposition from the United States.
Seeking Alternatives and Avoiding Past Failures
Norwegian Climate and Environment Minister Andreas Bjelland Eriksen remarked that the IMO still has a chance to reach a historic agreement but must consider "different approaches" to avoid a repeat of last year’s failure. He suggested the possibility of implementing certain aspects now while postponing other parts of the regulation to a later stage.
In the October meeting, 57 countries—including China and major shipping nations like Liberia—voted to delay the carbon fees, while 49 countries sought an agreement. Supporters included European nations, Brazil, and several small island states vulnerable to climate change.
Industry Resistance and Internal EU Divisions
A coalition including the world’s three largest ship registries—Liberia, Panama, and the Marshall Islands—alongside major tanker operators like the Saudi company Bahri, urged IMO member states to consider alternatives to the original carbon fee plan. In a statement, the coalition noted that "support for the framework in its current form has continued to erode" since last year’s meeting.
Last year’s decision caused a rift within the EU. Greece and Cyprus, both of which possess major shipping industries, broke ranks and abstained from voting rather than supporting the bloc's climate proposal. Officials noted that Greece, Malta, and Italy have refused to endorse the EU's latest negotiating position.
