Press release: IMO Member States must advance an ambitious Net-Zero Framework

Brussels, 1 September 2026: As Member States start the ISWG-GHG-22 negotiations at the International Maritime Organization (IMO) this week, the SASHA Coalition highlights the importance of an ambitious Net-Zero Framework, and notes that it must complement not replace the EU emissions trading system (ETS).

SAHSA Coalition EU Policy Director, Aurelia Leeuw, said:

"At the IMO ISWG negotiations this week, Europe must lead in pushing for an ambitious net-zero framework while resisting pressure to water down the EU ETS. A strong NZF is crucial to send the predictable investment signals needed to transition to the most sustainable solutions, but it would leave over 85% of EU maritime emissions unregulated making an expanded ETS non-negotiable for filling these gaps.

"This is not a choice between global action and action at home: anyone serious about securing a resilient and sustainable future for international shipping knows that the NZF and ETS are not only both necessary, but also complementary frameworks."