Implementing the EU Emissions Trading Directive

As of the start of 2005, plans within the European Union provide for carbon dioxide emissions to be limited by a so-called cap-and-trade system for the most energy-intensive industries in all 25 EU member states. The scheme is based on the emissions trading directive ("Directive 2003/87/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 October 2003 establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community and amending Council Directive 96/61/EC"), which defines the benchmarks and criteria used to operate the system and identify the framework governing national legislation. The member states are obliged to determine national allocation plans for issuing emission certificates to installations.