Cyber-theft halts EU emissions trading

The European Union’s emissions trading system was facing the longest disruption in its history in January 2011 after authorities suspended most trading activities to combat attacks by cyber-thieves.

The European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, said trading would be suspended 'at least' until January 26, and called on the bloc’s member states to improve security rapidly.

Separately, the European Commission welcomed on the 21 January 2011 a vote by EU Member States to ban from use in the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) emission offset credits from certain projects which destroy industrial gases. Essentially, the ban means that companies will be able to use these credits for 2012 compliance under the EU ETS until 30 April 2013, but not thereafter.

EUObserver, 21.1.11: States ban certain offset credits from EU's emission trading system http://euobserver.com/9/31682

European Commission: Press Release: IP/11/56: Emissions trading: Commission welcomes vote to ban certain industrial gas credits http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=IP/11/56&format=PDF&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

EurActiv, 21.1.11: Great carbon theft may have netted €28m of permits http://www.euractiv.com/climate-environment/great-carbon-theft-may-netted-28-news-501455

European Commission: DG Climate Action: Press Release, 19.1.11: Announcement of transitional measure: EU ETS registry system http://ec.europa.eu/clima/news/articles/news_2011011901_en.htm

EurActiv, 20.1.11: EU locks carbon market after security breach http://www.euractiv.com/en/climate-environment/eu-locks-carbon-market-security-breach-news-501428

European Commission: DG Climate Action: Policies: Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) http://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/ets/index_en.htm

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