The Italian Confederation of Shipowners has expressed disappointment for What is envisaged for the maritime sector by the proposed revision EU ETS emissions trading system submitted today by the European Commission ( of 17 July 2026). "We are strongly disappointed - explained the president of Confitarma, Mario Zanetti - from the lack of courage of the European Commission on the ETS, despite the appeals of the three main European industrial associations that in recent days have have requested suspension. In the proposal for revision - Zanetti - the great absentee is the issue of the competitiveness of the Italian and European shipping industry. We consider, in fact, this document contradictory with respect to the objectives of the ETS and therefore reiterate our request that 100% of the proceeds are allocated to the decarbonisation of the maritime sector'.

Zanetti also highlighted that "the measures designed for the ports risk putting the entire Mediterranean, because they do not guarantee an effective level playing field between all shipping segments». "In addition, - he added - the Commission's proposal does not eliminate the return to the whole road that we are recording, with consequent and significant environmental and social costs and risks compromising both the competitiveness of Short Sea Shipping and the Motorways of the Sea, and the European decarbonization objectives themselves. Remain in fact, open questions that are particularly relevant for Italy, starting from the failure to extend the current system of derogations to Sicily and Sardinia, as we hoped it would be rendered the derogation for the smaller islands, currently provided for until by 2035, despite the fact that maritime transport represents a essential for the lives of over six million citizens".

"Having taken note of the decision not to listen to the appeal of the main European industrial associations - noted Zanetti - we also note that the proposal does not provide for a clear mechanism that ensures its alignment and progressive once the equivalent global system is operational adopted by the IMO'.

"Confitarma - he concluded - will continue to work with the Italian government, Confindustria, the European institutions and the ECSA, so that the negotiations in the European Parliament and Council allows us to strengthen our proposal, combining the objectives of the with the competitiveness of shipping and the protection of territorial cohesion".