The European Union is facing pressure from MEPs and the government to amend the shipping surcharge, citing it as ‘disproportionate’. The surcharge, part of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), is set to increase from 70% to 100% of emissions from January 2026, impacting Malta’s transport and logistics sector significantly. The Malta Association of Tractor and Trailer Operators (ATTO) warns this will lead to a €16.5 million cost for consumers and businesses, arguing that the uniform ETS rate doesn’t account for Malta’s island economy and reliance on maritime connections.
The EU ETS aims to reduce emissions, but critics argue it disproportionately affects island nations like Malta, increasing costs for goods and eroding competitiveness. The government and industry bodies are urging policymakers to recognize Malta’s unique situation and implement island-specific mitigation measures.
