Why has the EU paused or delayed talks on linking its emissions trading system with the UK's?

The EU has paused or delayed talks because of the resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which has created political uncertainty in the UK; as stated by EU climate commissioner Wopke Hoekstra, the EU now needs time to 'calibrate' how the talks will progress in light of this development.

What did EU Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra say about the future of EU-UK emissions trading system linkage talks?

Hoekstra expressed continued confidence that the linkage would ultimately be resolved 'in a way that will be fruitful for both sides', but emphasized that the timing depends on how things progress in the UK, noting that the EU must first assess the impact of the UK's political situation—specifically the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer—on the negotiations.

EU Says Talks Over Linking EU and UK Emissions Trading Systems Impacted by UK Politics

Jun 25, 2026

The EU states that linking its emissions trading system with the UK's may be affected by recent UK political developments. Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra indicated further assessment is needed to calibrate the talks' progress.

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