Veedirektiivi

Veedirektiivi, officially Directive 2008/101/EC, is a European Union directive that amends Directive 2003/87/EC establishing a scheme for greenhouse gas emission allowance trading within the Community, in particular by including aviation activities. It was adopted in 2008 and came into effect in 2012. The primary aim of the veedirektiivi is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from aviation, which is a significant and growing contributor to climate change.

The directive initially applied to emissions from flights within the European Economic Area (EEA). Under the veedirektiivi, airlines operating within the EEA are allocated free emission allowances or can purchase them at auction. They must then surrender allowances equivalent to their verified annual emissions. If an airline emits more than its allocated or purchased allowances, it faces financial penalties.

Over time, the scope of the veedirektiivi has evolved. Following concerns from non-EEA countries and international bodies like ICAO, the application was initially limited to flights within the EEA. More recently, the EU has moved towards a global approach to address aviation emissions, with the CORSIA (Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation) initiative now playing a significant role in international aviation climate efforts. The veedirektiivi remains a foundational piece of legislation for tackling aviation emissions within the EU airspace.