Dear President von der Leyen,
Dear Commissioner Hoekstra,
We would first like to acknowledge the importance of the letter sent to you by the Nordic employers’ organisations on 23 February.
We also wish to congratulate you on the 2040 Climate Agreement. It is of utmost importance that the European Union leads by example and positions itself as a frontrunner in the fight against climate change – particularly at a time when powerful actors have turned climate change into part of a broader cultural conflict, both within the European Union and beyond its borders.
In light of the letter from the Nordic employers, we would like to take this opportunity to underline that the Nordic trade union movement likewise supports and recognises the importance of the European Emissions Trading System (ETS).
The ETS is one of the EU’s most important instruments for reducing emissions and thereby contributing to the intergenerational objective that the actions of today’s generations do not compromise the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Its strength also lies in its well-designed structure, which has helped pave the way for new industrial and competitive solutions –delivering employment, growth, and welfare, not least in the Nordic region, as we in the Nordic trade union movement can attest.
At a time of global turmoil, when energy is increasingly being used as an instrument for geopolitical interests, Europe’s energy dependency must be addressed. Our energy demand is roughly double what we are able to produce domestically, placing the Union in a vulnerable position – first vis-à-vis Russia, and now also the United States. A long-term and sustainable response must include a strategy to reduce Europe’s dependence on fossil fuels as far as possible.
In this context, energy efficiency and the transformation from fossil fuels to electrification are key. The ETS, as well as ETS2, provides the necessary incentive to drive this transition, while the corresponding reward lies in the development of clean, competitive industries and transport systems. Any weakening of the system would significantly undermine the viability of existing and planned investments.
Finally, we would like to stress that a successful and just economic transformation, centred on people, is closely linked to government and EU-level investment in upskilling and reskilling, unemployment protection, active labour market policies, and welfare systems. Structural change – whether driven by the green transition, international trade, or technological development – will inevitably lead to jobs and tasks changing, and in some cases disappearing.
The same applies to the energy crisis resulting from current geopolitical tensions. Rising energy prices serve as a signal to both industry and households to shift from fossil-based to fossil-free energy. At the same time, we acknowledge that higher energy prices in the short term can make it difficult for some of our union members, their families, and European citizens more broadly to make ends meet.
This, however, is not a reason to weaken the ETS. Instead, governments should focus on targeted, needs-based measures to support those most affected, while the EU and its member states continue the efforts to develop the Energy union and increase European self-sufficiency – especially with regard to climate-neutral energy.
This letter was adopted by the Executive Committee of the Council of Nordic Trade Unions (NFS) in it´s meeting in Reykjavik 22 April 2026.
Yours sincerely,
Morten Skov Christiansen, President of NFS and FH, Denmark
Hans-Erik Skjæggerud, Vice President of NFS and President of YS, Norway
Tomas Kepler, President of Akademikerne, Denmark
Jarkko Eloranta, President of SAK, Finland
Else-Mai Kirvesniemi, President of STTK, Finland
Sonja Jógvansdóttir, President of Verkafólk, Faroe Islands
Jess G. Berthelsen, President of SIK, Greenland
Finnbjörn A. Hermannsson, President of ASÍ, Iceland
Sonja Ýr Þorbergsdóttir, President of BSRB, Iceland
Kolbrún Halldórsdóttir, President of BHM, Iceland
Kine Asper Vistnes, President of LO, Norway
Steffen Handal, President of Unio, Norway
Johan Lindholm, President of LO, Sweden
Therese Svanström, President of TCO, Sweden
Sofia Rydgren Stale, President of Saco, Sweden
Magnus Gissler, General Secretary of NFS