The European Green Deal, also known as the European Green Deal, is an ambitious initiative aimed at making the European Union a true leader in the ecological transition. One of the important parts of this pact is the establishment of a carbon tax at borders, a measure which arouses both interest and criticism from European companies.
This carbon border tax aims to offset CO2 emissions linked to imports of certain carbon-intensive raw materials, such as steel, aluminum, cement, fertilizers, etc. Companies wishing to import these goods will have to declare the CO2 emissions generated during their production abroad. From 2026, these emissions will be taxed, encouraging companies to reduce their carbon footprint and invest in cleaner technologies.
The main objective of this tax is to ensure that European companies are not disadvantaged compared to their foreign competitors who do not respect the same environmental standards. It also aims to combat “carbon leakage”, that is, the phenomenon where companies relocate their production to countries with less strict environmental regulations, leading to an increase in global CO2 emissions.
However, this measure also raises concerns from European companies. Some fear that this tax will distort competition and lead to higher prices for imported products, which could affect the competitiveness of European companies. Others say the carbon border tax does not go far enough and should be applied to a wider range of products.
Despite these criticisms, the European Commission maintains that this tax is necessary to achieve the European Union’s ambitious climate goals. She believes this will encourage businesses to adopt more environmentally friendly practices and encourage the transition to a greener economy.
In conclusion, the implementation of a carbon border tax is one of the key measures of the European Green Deal. Although it raises concerns and debates, it represents an important step in the fight against climate change and in promoting a more sustainable economy. It remains to be seen how this tax will be implemented and what impact it will have on European businesses and the global economy.