The implementation of the emissions trading directive

(Vanessa Aufenanger, Magdeburg University)

The research deals with the implementation of the directive to introduce the Emissions Trading Scheme (EU ETS) (2003/87/EC). Considering the high expectations, attention has to be paid to its real impact and its effective implementation. Criticism from all sides had been immense during the first phase. The research question is: What were the main barriers and drivers for an effective implemetation?

Transposition and implementation process of the EU ETS will be examined in four selected countries (CZ, DE, ES, and UK), which will be compared. The emissions trading scheme will be put into the national contexts of climate and energy policy and be analysed accordingly.

The study consists of a comparative case study analysis that is executed in a qualitative research project. The aim is to reconstruct the implementation process as a whole and in particular in the four chosen countries. The empirical research is theory-guided. Document analyses and expert interviews will be done to gather the relevant information.

The aim of the research project is on the one hand to contribute to the theoretical debate in political science about compliance and implementation. On the other hand good practice examples of the EU ETS implementation need to be found.