This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Freedom of Information request 'Meetings between DG TAXUD and CEMBUREAU'.



Ref. Ares(2022)442654 - 20/01/2022
From:
THOMAS Gerassimos (TAXUD)
Sent:
vendredi 4 juin 2021 17:55
To:
); 
)
Subject:
RE: CEMBUREAU, The European Cement Association / Follow up from our 
discussion on CBAM
Follow Up Flag:
Follow up
Flag Status:
Flagged
Thank you for this contribution. Happy to arrange a follow up meeting. My office will be in touch. 
Best regards 
Gerassimos 
 
 
From: 
>  
Sent: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 8:21 AM 
To: THOMAS Gerassimos (TAXUD) <xxxxxxxxxx.xxxxxx@xx.xxxxxx.xx> 
Cc:
 
 
Subject: CEMBUREAU, The European Cement Association / Follow up from our discussion on CBAM 
 
Dear Mr. Thomas, 
 
We refer to the interesting exchange we had with you in relation to the development of a cross border 
mechanism by the Commission services. During that discussion, we addressed the WTO compatibility of a 
continuation of free allowances until 2030 in combination with a CBAM. In concertation with four other 
energy-intensive sectors, we have now sought legal advice on the topic which we thought we should bring 
to your attention. The attached legal opinion by Prof Dr Baetens concludes that a co-existence of free 
allowances and a CBAM is not per se incompatible with WTO rules provided that an appropriate 
methodology is used to calculate the exact scope of CBAM measures so as not to overlap with the 
coverage of ETS allowances. In other words, as long as the level of free allowances for EU producers is 
taken into account for the determination of the level of a CBAM, there can be a co-existence without a risk 
of double protection. The legal opinion further argues that an export rebate could pass WTO scrutiny based 
on the destination principle.   
 
As you suggested during our meeting, we are also bringing this legal opinion to the attention of the 
Cabinets of Commissioners dealing with the matter.  
 
We will be happy to engage further with you on the topic. 
 
Best regards, 
 
    
   
 
 
 
 
CEMBUREAU – The European Cement Association 
Rue d'Arlon 55, 1040 Brussels, Belgium  
 
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Wwww.cembureau.eu  
 
 
 
EU Transparency Register No: 93987316076-63 
 
 
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