EU Institutions at Risk of Strengthening the Net-Zero Smokescreen in Carbon Removal Debate

European Union (EU) is on its way to pass a first-of-its kind carbon removal legislation. In November, the EU institutions (the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Council) issued their positions on the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) and are looking to finalize negotiations (known as trilogues) at the end of February 2024. The current proposals set the EU on a dangerous path to undermine EU climate action, building on the “net-zero” framework as a smokescreen to hide the lack of real emissions reductions. Considering the urgent call for a fossil fuel phase out at COP28 and scientists’ warning we are on a dangerous trajectory to reach non-reversible climate tipping points, a pathway to “Real Zero” — a positive, transformative vision and action plan — is needed in Europe and globally. Yet, the CRCF seems likely to allow polluters to continue business-as-usual by paving the way for EU-approved carbon emission offsets and a cornucopia of false solutions.