A coalition of 21 industry stakeholders has issued a joint statement requesting that the European Commission implement a phased and flexible approach to regulating carbon dioxide transport infrastructure across the European Union. The coalition emphasizes that establishing a clear regulatory framework is vital for scaling carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) operations to meet regional climate goals. Currently, the European transport market remains in an early stage of development, characterized by limited active infrastructure and numerous projects facing regulatory, financial, and coordination hurdles. The joint statement urges policymakers to focus on enabling investment and supporting initial infrastructure deployments rather than enacting premature, overly restrictive policies.

The primary challenge addressed by the industry coalition is the risk that premature, highly prescriptive regulations could undermine the development of an emerging carbon management market. Currently, European developers face complex regulatory bottlenecks, fractured cross-border coordination, and significant financial risks when planning transport infrastructure. Introducing rigid, EU-wide tariff methodologies or strict third-party access rules at this early stage could diminish developer flexibility and damage investor confidence. Furthermore, the threat of retroactive policy alterations creates a barrier to the long-term bankability of initial infrastructure investments, which are critical for establishing reliable carbon distribution pathways.

To resolve these market barriers, the coalition recommends an evolutionary regulatory framework that permits individual Member States substantial flexibility during the initial phases of deployment. The group’s proposed solution includes streamlining the permitting processes, enhancing cross-border infrastructure coordination, and establishing dedicated industrial clusters. Additionally, the stakeholders advocate for targeted funding mechanisms to de-risk early initiatives and demand equal regulatory treatment for pipeline and non-pipeline transport modalities. Rather than enforcing rigid state-controlled pricing, the coalition recommends allowing negotiated commercial agreements for early-stage projects, transitioning to structured rules only as the wider sector matures.

The anticipated outcome of this regulatory strategy is the accelerated deployment of an efficient, cost-effective carbon transport network capable of supporting European industrial decarbonization. By prioritizing investment and protective de-risking mechanisms, the proposed framework aims to protect investor confidence and secure the financial viability of early infrastructure. Integrating the entire value chain—encompassing capture, transport, utilization, and storage—will allow diverse carbon removal sectors, including large-scale biocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More operations reliant on regional distribution networks, to scale safely. Ultimately, a pragmatic policy environment will prevent project delays and provide the structural stability required to mature the continental carbon economy.