The high-level talks come after a disastrous meeting in October, when a proposal to tax shipping emissions was blocked by the United States. Within the EU, Greece, Italy and Malta remain hesitant to support the proposal.
The European Union aims to tighten regulations on greenhouse gas emissions from ships during crucial discussions in London this week, potentially reigniting tensions with the United States, which last October vetoed a global carbon emissions tax.
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The International Maritime Organization (IMO), headquartered in London, had anticipated government approval of its “net-zero framework” for shipping. This plan would implement fees per metric ton of CO2 emitted exceeding established thresholds.
Nonetheless, during the UN maritime organization’s discussions last autumn, the proposal was turned down, with 57 nations voting to postpone the decision for one year, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Russia.
Although no vote is expected in the April session, EU member states are directed to act collectively in defense of climate objectives aligned with international agreements and the EU’s ambition to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, as outlined in a letter reviewed by Euronews.
“Member states, on behalf of the Union, shall oppose any attempts to remove the IMO Net-Zero Framework,” the letter declares.
IMO calls for ‘constructive talks’
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez encouraged delegates to engage in pragmatic and productive dialogue, noting that “there is no need to repeat what happened last October,” when US President Donald Trump obstructed the vote, with multiple reports indicating that Washington exerted pressure on certain nations regarding trade tariffs.
“Let us advance where consensus exists and persist in areas requiring additional effort and comprehension. In an era marked by substantial global discord, I urge setting an example of effective multilateralism,” Dominguez stated on 27 April.
Anaïs Rios, senior policy officer for shipping and climate at the NGO Seas at Risk, criticized the Trump administration in the US for resisting “any progress toward clean energy,” which she claims has caused uncertainty among numerous countries.
“Progress risks stalling amid ongoing resistance and delays to initiatives that could propel the framework for shipping decarbonization forward, approved last year but awaiting adoption,” Rios commented, who is participating in the IMO talks.
Defending and exporting domestic climate goals
The EU’s net-zero shipping regulations mandate a 2% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2025, increasing to 6% by 2030, and gradually reaching an 80% cut by 2050 for vessels over 5,000 gross tonnage.
While the EU intends to uphold its climate ambitions, it also seeks to collaborate closely with international partners via the IMO to establish global rather than regional solutions, according to the letter, given that international shipping contributes approximately 2–3% of worldwide emissions.
Brussels insists that any final agreement must align with the commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. Simultaneously, it emphasizes that the transition must safeguard the competitiveness of the European maritime industry while ensuring equal conditions globally.
This strategy reflects an inherent tension, as the EU risks putting its own industry at a disadvantage if other nations fail to match its level of ambition.
A revised compromise draft under consideration at the London talks has garnered widespread support among EU countries, though Greece, Italy, and Malta remain cautious, according to two EU diplomats.
Pricing shipping emissions
In April 2025, countries voted on adopting a global system to implement a carbon price targeting shipping emissions, designed to assist the sector’s decarbonization and promote cleaner technology deployment.
On 16 October 2025, a simple majority of 54 votes was necessary for approval; however, the proposal did not pass, receiving 49 votes in favor.
The proposed IMO levy would span from $100 (€85) to $380 (€324) per metric ton, depending on several factors, potentially generating between $30 billion (€26.51 billion) and $40 billion (€34.15 billion) by 2030, while aiming for at least a 10% emissions reduction in the sector, according to estimates from environmental groups.
The carbon pricing mechanism would require ship owners to contribute to a UN “Net Zero Fund,” managed by the IMO, which would finance green shipping innovations and incentivize vessels with low emissions.
US President Donald Trump rejected this proposal, labeling it a “global green new scam” and arguing it would raise expenses for American consumers.