--- title: Mastering the Carbon Market in Europe: A Practical Guide to EU ETS, ETS 2, and Voluntary Carbon Trading description: "Carbon market in Europe explained: navigate EU ETS, voluntary carbon markets, and key trends. An essential guide for sustainability managers." image: https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hubfs/optimized-body-images/transly-translation-agency-0LJvvlHDCV4-unsplash.jpg --- [Skip to content](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/mastering-the-carbon-market-in-europe-a-business-leaders-guide#main-content) [![Fiegenbaum Solutions Logo](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hubfs/Branding/Fiegenbaum-Solutions_Logo.svg) ![Fiegenbaum Solutions Logo](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hubfs/Branding/Fiegenbaum-Solutions_Logo.svg)](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/?hsLang=en) - [English](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/mastering-the-carbon-market-in-europe-a-business-leaders-guide) - [Deutsch](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/blog/eu-ets2-beratung-strategische-vorbereitung-auf-das-neue-emissionshandelssystem) - Services - [Climate Risk Assessment](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/climate-risk-analysis-for-companies) - [VSME Report](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/vsme-reporting-for-smes) - [ESG Due Diligence VCs & Series A+](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/esg-due-diligence-vcs-series-a-startups) - [Product Carbon Footprint](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/product-carbon-footprint-lifecycle-assessment) - [Corporate Carbon Footprint](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/company-carbon-footprint-methods-tools-best-practice) - Solutions - [Materiality Screening](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/double-materiality-analysis-definition-process-best-practice#fs-screening) - [Atlas](https://atlas.fiegenbaum.solutions/en) - [Load Profile Check](https://atlas.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/lastgang-check) - [Pricing](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/esg-climate-consulting-fixed-prices-carbon-footprint-vsme-due-diligence-climate-risk) - [About me](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/about-me) - [Blog](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog) - [Contact](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/contact) ###### 13 min read # Mastering the Carbon Market in Europe: A Practical Guide to EU ETS, ETS 2, and Voluntary Carbon Trading By: [Johannes Fiegenbaum](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/author/johannes-fiegenbaum) on 10/8/24, 12:43 PM · Last updated October 11, 2026 [EU Taxonomy](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/tag/eu-taxonomy) [Carbon Pricing & Markets](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/tag/carbon-pricing-markets) ![Market stall with stacked eggs and price signs](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hubfs/optimized-body-images/transly-translation-agency-0LJvvlHDCV4-unsplash.jpg) This guide is essential for business leaders looking to navigate carbon trading in Europe. From understanding the EU ETS and ETS 2 to exploring voluntary carbon markets, this article offers insights to help leaders make informed decisions. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to carbon trading, this guide will provide the tools to succeed in the carbon market landscape. ## Table of Contents - [The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) - A Compliance Market](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/mastering-the-carbon-market-in-europe-a-business-leaders-guide#eu-ets) - [EU ETS 2: New Developments and the Fit-for-55 Package](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/mastering-the-carbon-market-in-europe-a-business-leaders-guide#eu-ets-2) - [Carbon Capture, Removal, and Synergies with Carbon Markets](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/mastering-the-carbon-market-in-europe-a-business-leaders-guide#carbon-capture) - [Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs): Are They Worth It?](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/mastering-the-carbon-market-in-europe-a-business-leaders-guide#voluntary-markets) - [Future Trends in Carbon Markets](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/mastering-the-carbon-market-in-europe-a-business-leaders-guide#future-trends) - [Practical Tips for Implementation](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/mastering-the-carbon-market-in-europe-a-business-leaders-guide#practical-tips) - [Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on Carbon Markets](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/mastering-the-carbon-market-in-europe-a-business-leaders-guide#faq-carbon-markets) ## The European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) - A Compliance Market The EU ETS is a cornerstone of the EU’s climate policy and the world’s first and largest multinational cap-and-trade system. It covers around 10,000 power stations and industrial plants in the EU member states, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, operating on the principle of putting a price on carbon to incentivize emission reductions. By 2023, emissions from the power and industry plants covered by the ETS had fallen by approximately 47% compared to 2005 levels (European Commission). ### Key Components The system sets a cap on emissions and allows businesses to trade allowances, providing flexibility. As the cap decreases, emissions align with the EU’s climate goals. The system includes sectors such as power, aviation, and heavy industry and is managed by the European Commission. The Market Stability Reserve (MSR) balances supply and demand, ensuring market stability. ### Compliance for Businesses Businesses in the above sectors must hold allowances equal to their emissions or face financial penalties. Accurate monitoring and reporting of emissions are critical to ensure compliance. ## EU ETS 2: New Developments and the Fit-for-55 Package Phase 4 of the EU ETS runs from 2021 to 2030 and is part of the broader Fit-for-55 package, aimed at reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 compared to 1990. The Fit-for-55 reform brings several significant updates to the existing EU ETS (ETS 1) and adds a separate second system, the ETS 2. - **Cap Adjustments**: The cap of the existing EU ETS is set to reduce emissions by 62% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels. The separate ETS 2 cap is designed for a 42% reduction by 2030 compared to 2005. The Linear Reduction Factor (LRF), which determines the annual decrease in emissions, will rise from 2.2% to 4.3% in 2024 and further to 4.4% in 2028. - Expansion to New Sectors: EU ETS 2 introduces a new emissions trading system for buildings, road transport, and smaller industrial sectors that are not currently covered by the original EU ETS, launching in 2028 after the one-year postponement agreed in December 2025. - **Inclusion of Maritime and Aviation Sectors**: By 2026, emissions from these sectors will be fully included in the existing EU ETS (ETS 1), ensuring a wider coverage of industries. - **Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)**: To prevent carbon leakage, the CBAM will ensure that imported energy-intensive products are subject to the same carbon pricing as those produced within the EU. This will start with emissions reporting in October 2023, with full implementation by 2026. You can read more on CBAM here: [CBAM Regulation: Registration, reporting obligations and standard values simply explained.](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/cbam-regulation-registration-reporting-obligations-and-standard-values-simply-explained?hsLang=en) Historical and estimated future emissions in the ETS II sectors are well above the level covered by allowances - the so-called cap. The planned annual cap reduction is more than five times higher than the historical reduction rates. However, many of the measures in the ‘Fit For 55’ package for the ETS II sectors will only lead to significant emission reductions in the medium term. The ETS II will probably lead to a considerable shortage of allowances, at least initially - and thus to high CO2 prices. ETS II will also introduce a market stability reserve as a price-dampening measure in the event of major price increases. However, this measure will only have a weak effect and will not be able to significantly dampen a high CO2 price. Overview of available estimates on CO2 price development in ETS II | Price Level 2030 (Euro/tCO2) | Source | Approach | | --- | --- | --- | | 48 to 80 | EU Commission (2021) | Further effective climate protection measures are assumed | | 126 | PIK (2023) | Reform scenario, in which new reforms (e.g., "Fit for 55" package) are included | | 180 | Cambridge Econometrics (2021) | E3ME Model, based on 2015 prices | | 175 to 350 | Abrell et al. (2022) | CO2 prices are the only political measures for climate protection | | 200 to 300 | MCC (2023) | Assumption that flanking measures for buildings and transport will be absent | | 297 | IfW Kiel (2023) | General equilibrium model DART | ## Carbon Capture, Removal, and Synergies with Carbon Markets ![bernard-hermant-S\_Ei2XW3VxM-unsplash](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hs-fs/hubfs/optimized-body-images/bernard-hermant-S_Ei2XW3VxM-unsplash.jpg?width=5441&height=3627&name=bernard-hermant-S_Ei2XW3VxM-unsplash.jpg) Carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) are becoming increasingly interconnected with carbon markets. [Carbon compliance](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/voluntary-vs-regulated-carbon-markets-risks-verification-price-differences?hsLang=en) markets act as a policy tool and pricing mechanism that can support industrial CCS and CDR projects. These technologies, essential for achieving long-term climate goals, are complementary to emission reductions and have begun to overlap significantly with carbon pricing schemes. ### Synergies Between Carbon Markets, CCS, and CDR The role of CDR in carbon markets will continue to grow, and carbon pricing will be a key enabler for (non-fossil) CCS projects. Investing in both emissions reduction and removal strategies is essential to stay aligned with net-zero pathways. However, reduction should always remain the priority, as I argue here: [CO2 Reduction vs. Compensation for Companies](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/co2-reduction-vs-compensation-a-guide-for-companies?hsLang=en). To add a bit of nuance, fossil CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) captures carbon from fossil fuel combustion processes and stores it underground, but since it doesn't address emissions from earlier stages, I do not consider this a viable carbon removal technology. Similarly, fossil CCU (Carbon Capture and Use) captures carbon and converts it into valuable products, but emissions from extraction and eventual release of carbon back into the atmosphere, such as through waste incineration, mean it also fails to contribute to meaningful carbon drawdown. Conversely, CCS technology can help achieve negative emissions when used with methods that extract carbon from the atmosphere. There are both technical and natural approaches, such as Direct Air Capture with permanent storage (DACCS) and the absorption of CO2 in plants combined with bioenergy combustion and permanent storage (BECCS). Considering the overall situation, the limited capacity of storage facilities and resources should be reserved solely for unavoidable emissions, explicitly excluding fossil emissions. ## Voluntary Carbon Markets (VCMs): Are They Worth It? Voluntary carbon markets offer businesses a flexible way to offset emissions through the purchase of carbon credits. However, carbon credit quality is critical to ensuring the integrity of VCMs. According to a whitepaper by Sylvera, not all carbon credits are created equal, and understanding the quality of these credits is essential to making meaningful climate contributions. ### Defining Carbon Credit Quality Sylvera defines high-quality carbon credits based on three core pillars: - **Robust Carbon Accounting**: Ensuring accurate and verifiable emissions reductions or removals. - **Additionality**: Demonstrating that the project’s impact would not have occurred without the revenue from carbon credits. - **Permanence**: Confirming that the CO2 removed or avoided will stay out of the atmosphere for a significant period of time, ideally 100 years. #### Importance of High-Quality Carbon Credits VCMs have faced challenges due to **variability in credit quality**, which can undermine the credibility of offset claims. **Low-quality credits** fail to deliver the climate impact they promise, shaking confidence in the market. Therefore, businesses must focus on purchasing **high-integrity credits** from reputable providers, that are third-party verified. ### Practical Guidance for Businesses When participating in voluntary carbon markets, businesses should: - Prioritize high-quality credits by evaluating their carbon score, additionality, and permanence. - Engage with trusted ratings providers, like Sylvera, that offer transparency in their assessment of carbon credits. - Ensure MRV (Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification) processes are in place to guarantee the integrity of their carbon offset strategies. ## Future Trends in Carbon Markets ![oskar-kadaksoo-YlDHlHHRCDQ-unsplash](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hs-fs/hubfs/optimized-body-images/oskar-kadaksoo-YlDHlHHRCDQ-unsplash.jpg?width=7952&height=5304&name=oskar-kadaksoo-YlDHlHHRCDQ-unsplash.jpg) ### 1. Nature-Based Solutions and Carbon Removal - There is a growing emphasis on integrating **nature-based solutions** such as reforestation, soil carbon sequestration, and blue carbon projects (marine ecosystems) into both compliance and voluntary markets. At the same time, **technology-driven removals** like **Direct Air Capture (DAC)** are gaining momentum, offering scalable solutions for long-term CO2 removal. Currently though, biochar is the most popular removal method. - Businesses will need to consider how these solutions fit into their broader carbon strategies, particularly as regulatory frameworks such as the EU **Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF)** come into force.  The CRCF classifies carbon removal into three primary categories: Carbon Farming (e.g., soil carbon and afforestation/reforestation), Permanent Carbon Storage/Removal (e.g., BCR, DACS, ERW, and BECCS), and Carbon Storage in Products (e.g., wood-based construction materials and concrete). All of these categories are evaluated based on "QU.A.L.ITY" criteria - Quantification, Additionality, Long-term Storage, and Sustainability - to guarantee their efficacy. Adopted as Regulation (EU) 2024/3012, it is the world’s first such framework and will likely become a global benchmark for carbon removal certification. It has however been heavily influenced by the strong agriculture lobby in Europe. Consequently, the CRCF is riddled with emission reduction clauses and carve-outs. This is a significant setback, as emission reductions should not be included in this framework. Carbon reductions must be strictly distinguished from removals! And to state the obvious, the certification framework does not include CCS facilities that capture difficult-to-reduce fossil fuel emissions from industrial processes. These are regarded as greenhouse gas reduction technologies rather than carbon removal. - Businesses should follow the CRCF closely, as it will shape how removals are accounted for and rewarded in carbon markets, offering new opportunities for those involved in **CDR projects**. ### 2. Expansion of Carbon Pricing to New Sectors and Regions Carbon pricing is expanding to cover new sectors: shipping through the existing EU ETS, buildings and road transport through the EU ETS 2. China added cement, steel and aluminium to its national emissions trading scheme in 2025, extending it to around 60% of the country's emissions. On the generation side, [China's clean energy build-out](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/china-clean-energy-boom-eu-investors-guide?hsLang=en) moves just as fast. In other regions, India, Turkey, and Indonesia are all progressing towards implementing carbon pricing schemes. ## Practical Tips for Implementation ### 1. Establish Internal Carbon Accounting Systems Accurate carbon accounting is essential for managing emissions, meeting compliance obligations, and purchasing offsets. Businesses should invest in internal systems or software that allow them to measure, monitor, and report their emissions. ### 2. Partner with Carbon Offset Providers Selecting high-quality **carbon offset providers** is key to ensuring the integrity of your investment. Look for providers that include transparent rating and MRV mechanisms and align with your sustainability goals. Working with trusted providers also reduces the risk of investing in low-quality or fraudulent credits. I would'n invest in anything below a BBB-rating. ### 3. Consult with Sustainability Experts Engaging with **sustainability consultants** or carbon market experts can provide invaluable guidance, helping businesses develop comprehensive carbon strategies. These experts can advise on compliance requirements, market developments, and investment in innovative carbon reduction projects like **nature-based solutions** or **CCS technologies**. ### 4. Incorporate Carbon Offsetting in Long-Term Business Strategy Carbon offsetting and removal shouldn’t be a short-term solution. Businesses should embed carbon within a broader, long-term strategy that includes direct emissions reductions and investment in **low-carbon technologies**. Combining these efforts will enhance your sustainability credentials and prepare your company for more stringent regulations in the future. ## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ), Carbon Markets 1\. What is a carbon market? A carbon market is a system where carbon credits or emissions allowances are traded. It enables companies and governments to meet emissions targets or voluntarily offset their carbon footprint. 2\. What is a voluntary carbon market? Voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) allow companies and organisations to purchase carbon credits outside of regulatory frameworks, often as part of corporate sustainability strategies. 3\. What is a compliance carbon market? Compliance markets are regulated by governments or international institutions to help meet mandatory emissions reduction targets. The EU ETS and China’s national carbon market are key examples. 4\. What are carbon credits? Carbon credits represent one tonne of CO2 (or equivalent) removed or avoided. They can be traded either within cap-and-trade systems or in voluntary schemes to offset emissions. 5\. How do carbon markets work? In a cap-and-trade system, companies receive or buy a set number of emissions allowances. If they emit less than allowed, they can sell excess allowances. If they emit more, they must buy additional credits. 6\. What’s the difference between a carbon tax and a carbon market? A carbon tax sets a fixed price per tonne of CO2, requiring companies to pay for each unit emitted. A carbon market uses a cap-and-trade system with a set emissions limit and fluctuating prices. 7\. Which countries have carbon markets? Major carbon markets exist in the: - **EU**: EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) - **China**: National carbon market - **United States**: California Cap-and-Trade, RGGI (regional) - **Canada**: Quebec and other provincial schemes - **South Korea**: Korea ETS - **New Zealand**: NZ ETS - **Mexico**: Pilot carbon market in place - **Brazil**: Regulated emissions trading system adopted by law in December 2024, being set up --- 8\. How should European companies choose a carbon offset platform? By the questions the platform can answer, not by its catalogue size. Four criteria separate them. **Registry transparency:** can you trace each credit to a serial number in a recognised registry and see its retirement? **Methodology disclosure:** is the crediting methodology and its version stated per project, so you can judge additionality yourself? **Vintage and permanence:** old vintages and non-permanent removals carry reputational risk that outlives the purchase. **Post-purchase evidence:** what documentation do you receive for your own reporting and for an assurance provider? A prior question matters more than the platform choice: compensation belongs after reduction, and a claim built primarily on offsets is now the harder one to defend under European claims rules. ## Related Articles - [Carbon Reduction vs. Compensation: A Guide for Companies](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/co2-reduction-vs-compensation-a-guide-for-companies?hsLang=en) - [EU ETS 2: Carbon Pricing for Buildings & Transport from 2028](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/eu-ets2-launch-2028-emissions-trading-buildings-transport?hsLang=en) Next step Turn climate risk or ESG data into a decision? In a 30-minute intro call we map where your biggest lever is, with no obligation. [Book an intro call](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/contact?hsLang=en) ![Johannes Fiegenbaum](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/hubfs/Johannes_07-modified.png) ### Johannes Fiegenbaum ESG and sustainability consultant based in Hamburg, specialised in VSME reporting, carbon accounting and climate risk analysis. Works with mid-sized companies, investors and financial institutions, and developed the VSME reporting software VSEasy together with clients. [More about](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/about-me?hsLang=en) Related articles ## You may also like ### [Carbon Accounting & Scope 3 Voluntary vs Regulated Carbon Markets: Risks, Verification & Price Differences Explained A compliance carbon market exists because a law obliges companies to surrender allowances for their GHG emissions. A voluntary carbon market exists because a buyer chooses to. The ... Read more →](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/voluntary-vs-regulated-carbon-markets-risks-verification-price-differences?hsLang=en) ### [SBTi & Decarbonisation Carbon Reduction vs. Compensation: A Strategic Guide for Companies in 2026 Read more →](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/co2-reduction-vs-compensation-a-guide-for-companies?hsLang=en) ### [Carbon Accounting & Scope 3 How to reduce the carbon footprint of your marketing mix Read more →](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/how-to-reduce-the-carbon-footprint-of-your-marketing-mix?hsLang=en) ### [ClimateTech Startups AI for Impact Startups: Cut CO₂ Costs Without Funding Read more →](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/impact-startups-ai-co2-reduction-without-external-capital?hsLang=en) ### [SBTi & Decarbonisation Understanding SBTi: A Comprehensive Guide to Scope 3 Emissions, Carbon Credits, and Getting Started Read more →](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/understanding-sbti-a-comprehensive-guide-to-scope-3-emissions-carbon-credits-and-getting-started?hsLang=en) ### [Climate Policy & Green Claims EU AI Act for ESG and Carbon Accounting Software: Risk Class, Deployer Duties, Deadlines Read more →](https://www.fiegenbaum.solutions/en/blog/eu-ai-act-climate-tech-compliance-opportunities?hsLang=en) ##### Johannes Fiegenbaum Johannes Fiegenbaum I turn climate risk and ESG data into capital and financing decisions. 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They can be traded either within cap-and-trade systems or in voluntary schemes to offset emissions." }, "name" : "What are carbon credits?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "In a cap-and-trade system, companies receive or buy a set number of emissions allowances. If they emit less than allowed, they can sell excess allowances. If they emit more, they must buy additional credits." }, "name" : "How do carbon markets work?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "A carbon tax sets a fixed price per tonne of CO 2 , requiring companies to pay for each unit emitted. A carbon market uses a cap-and-trade system with a set emissions limit and fluctuating prices." }, "name" : "What’s the difference between a carbon tax and a carbon market?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Major carbon markets exist in the: EU : EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) China : National carbon market United States : California Cap-and-Trade, RGGI (regional) Canada : Quebec and other provincial schemes South Korea : Korea ETS New Zealand : NZ ETS Mexico : Pilot carbon market in place Brazil : Regulated emissions trading system adopted by law in December 2024, being set up" }, "name" : "Which countries have carbon markets?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "By the questions the platform can answer, not by its catalogue size. Four criteria separate them. Registry transparency: can you trace each credit to a serial number in a recognised registry and see its retirement? Methodology disclosure: is the crediting methodology and its version stated per project, so you can judge additionality yourself? Vintage and permanence: old vintages and non-permanent removals carry reputational risk that outlives the purchase. Post-purchase evidence: what documentation do you receive for your own reporting and for an assurance provider? A prior question matters more than the platform choice: compensation belongs after reduction, and a claim built primarily on offsets is now the harder one to defend under European claims rules." }, "name" : "How should European companies choose a carbon offset platform?" } ] } ```