ICAO acknowledged the European Union’s efforts to support the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA). However, it said a unilateral expansion of the EU ETS aviation framework, as proposed by the European Commission on 17 July 2026, would be inconsistent with CORSIA’s objective.
CORSIA’s role in international aviation
CORSIA is the only global market-based measure applying to CO2 emissions from international aviation. ICAO Member States approved the scheme in 2016, while the European Union and its Member States played an instrumental role in building consensus around the globally harmonised system.
According to ICAO, expanding the EU ETS aviation scope could create the potential for double charging on CO2 emissions generated by international aviation. The organisation said this could affect the effective implementation of CORSIA.
ICAO also warned that the proposal could fragment global aviation decarbonisation efforts. It added that the measure could jeopardise the achievement of the organisation’s collective global aspirational goals for the international aviation sector.
ICAO calls for continued multilateral cooperation
These concerns were highlighted during the 42nd Session of the ICAO Assembly in 2025. At the session, Member States unanimously gave ICAO a clear and reinforced mandate to advance its environmental protection agenda.
The mandate includes further development of CORSIA, which was designed to provide the aviation sector with the certainty required to progress towards net-zero carbon emissions. The scheme aims to deliver direct environmental benefits while ensuring a level playing field, transparency and cost-effectiveness.
ICAO is encouraging all Member States to maintain their support for CORSIA and continue collaborating through the organisation. It said international aviation environmental protection should advance through a pragmatic and harmonised approach based on cooperation and multilateralism.
Through continued engagement, Member States can accelerate progress towards net-zero carbon emissions from international aviation. This objective aligns with ICAO’s strategic vision for the sector by 2050.
Tags: Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
