Developing economies bear the brunt of greening Europe through EU carbon taxes
The European Union’s climate policy is primarily characterised by one-way traffic. This is particularly true for African economies. These African players are now confronted with new measures to green and protect the European economy, without adequate preparation or engagement.
First published by Daily Maverick on 2 Jun 2024.
Europe’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism is designed to level the playing field. But for African exporters, it tilts the playing field in the wrong direction, adding costs and compliance burdens to economies that contributed least to the problem CBAM is meant to solve. The mechanism’s architects may be well-intentioned, but the lack of consultation with affected economies is a failure of process that risks undermining its purpose.
