The Standing Committee on Foreign and European Affairs convened to discuss the implications of the proposed revision of the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) on Malta and its commercial sectors, a statement said Wednesday.

Originally established in 2005, the EU ETS requires polluters to pay for greenhouse gas emissions to drive down total EU emissions while funding the transition to a clean economy. On July 17, 2026, the European Commission introduced a targeted revision aimed at bolstering Europe's industrial competitiveness and supporting the EU's 2040 climate targets.

During the session, the Committee heard presentations from key industry bodies, including the Malta Business Bureau, the Malta Maritime Forum, and the Association of Tractor and Trailer Operators. Discussions centered on how the proposed regulatory updates would affect Malta's national competitiveness, alongside specific operational challenges and opportunities for local businesses within the maritime, transport, and aviation sectors.

The meeting was chaired by Committee President John Grech and attended by Minister for Foreign and European and EU Affairs Chris Fearne, alongside committee members Fleur Abela, Rebecca Buttigieg, Toni Bezzina, Beppe Fenech Adami, Beppe Galea, and Julie Zahra. Members of the European Parliament Thomas Bajada and Peter Agius also participated remotely online.