The European Commission presented its reform of the Emissions Trading System on 17 July. The yearly cut in the allowance cap would be 3.7% for 2031–2035 and 1.7% for 2036–2040, against 4.3% now. Free allocation would continue beyond 2030 and heavy industry such as steel and cement would get free allowances until 2038, with 80% handed out in advance to firms with European decarbonisation investment plans and 20% after the investment is confirmed. The Market Stability Reserve intake rate would fall from 24% to 12%, and a €100bn Industrial Decarbonisation Bank is proposed. Member states and Parliament have yet to agree the text.
Why it matters for listed companies
Carbon allowances are a direct cost line for European steelmakers, cement and chemicals producers, refiners and fossil-fuel power generators, so the pace of the cap and the amount of free allocation feed straight into their operating costs. A slower cap and a smaller reserve intake mean more allowances stay in circulation than under current law, while tying free allowances to investment plans adds a spending obligation. For utilities with low-carbon fleets the carbon price is part of the wholesale power price they earn. This is a proposal, not law.
Official series on 17 Jul 2026 or the last day before it, and the latest observation.
ECB deposit facility rate 2.25% → 2.50%+25 bp 17 Jul 2026 → 16 Oct 2026 · European Central Bank
Euro area 10-year yield (AAA) 3.15% → 3.39%+24 bp 17 Jul 2026 → 15 Oct 2026 · European Central Bank
Euro in US dollars 1.1435 → 1.1253-0.0182 17 Jul 2026 → 16 Oct 2026 · ECB reference rate
Euro in pounds sterling 0.8510 → 0.8438-0.0071 17 Jul 2026 → 16 Oct 2026 · ECB reference rate
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