A European Union plan to impose emissions fees on airlines meets with fierce opposition from 23 countries

摘要

The European Union's Emissions Trading System, introduced 1 January, requires airline companies serving the EU to pay for their greenhouse gas emissions by means of a system of special permits. Airlines that do not obtain the necessary permits will incur fines from the EU beginning in April 2013. If they fail to pay, they could be denied the freedom of Europe's airspace.As it happens, 85% of the permits are being awarded at no cost, and the remaining 15% are initially expected to add only about $2 to the cost of a transatlantic passenger ticket. But, wrote Aaron Wiener in Spiegel International Online, "For representatives of 23 countries who convened in Moscow on 22 February, the price is too high." ("Global Opposition Grows against EU Emissions Law," 24 February)