Agenda: European Climate Summit (ECS) 2026
- Breakout
- Keynote
- Plenary
- Social events & networking breaks
- Side Event
- Workshop
- Alessandro Vitelli, Communication Advisor - IETA
- Riham Wahba, Senior Carbon Market Analyst Vertis - Environmental Finance
- Trevor Sikorski, Head of Natural Gas and Carbon Research - Energy Aspects
- Yan Qin, Principal Analyst - ClearBlue Markets
- Patricia Merschel, Analyst - ICIS
- Frédéric Gagnon-Lebrun,Compliance Market Specialist, Consultant - The Rockefeller Foundation
- Jérôme Le Page, Chair of the Electricity Committee - Energy Traders EU
- Luca Lo Re, International Climate & Energy Analyst, Directorate for Sustainability, Technology and Outlooks - International Energy Agency (IEA)
- Steve Kelly, President - 1PointFive
- Robin Hüdepohl, Head of Decarbonisation Management & CDR Commercialisation - E.ON
- Carmen Alvarez, Jurisdictional Policy Lead - Sylvera
- Will Gifford, Policy Manager, Aviation & NCS - IETA
- Meg Miller, Membership Program Manager - IETA
- Mary Grady, Executive Director - ACR
- Nick Osborne, Vice President, Global Carbon and Environmental Products Trading - Shell Energy
- Malwina Burzec, Senior Manager, Center for Climate Policy - EY
- Omar Zin Abidine, EMEA Engagement Partner - 1PointFive
- Marla Rodriguez, Sustainable Aviation Associate - ICF
- Steve Kelly, President - 1PointFive
- Istvan Bart, Senior Director - Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)
- Tobias Hunzai, Senior Consultant - Climate Focus
- Anna Kovács, Senior Consultant - Climate Focus
- Sergi Cuadrat, Managing Director for Carbon Markets - Perspectives
- David Ungar, Managing Director - Carbon Finance Labs
- Marta Krupinska, CEO - CUR8
- Benjamin Camus, Senior Director - Evolution Markets
- Steve Kelly, President - 1PointFive
- Angelo Sartori, Senior Director, Government and Policy Engagement - Verra
- Elizabeth Guinessey, Manager, Food and Blue Carbon Innovation - Verra
- Stefano De Clara, Head of Secretariat - International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP)
- Anna Charlotte Wenzel, Carbon Market Expert - International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP)
- Iryna Holovko, Carbon Market Expert - International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP)
DAY 1
April 14
With the EU ETS evolving and new dynamics shaping carbon markets, this roundtable brings together leading analysts to assess key trends and the outlook. How are investors responding to market and political signals? Against the backdrop of increased volatility and policy uncertainty, this session will explore market fundamentals, regulatory developments, and potential interventions. A must-attend discussion for those navigating the complexities of the EU carbon market.
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The world continues to demand more innovative technologies and mechanisms to achieve nations' climate targets. Reflecting on the latest energy data, technology and market trends, this session will explore a range of possible energy futures and examine how unlocking the potential of the evolving carbon markets could be a game-changer for climate action and the energy transition.
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Introductory Remarks:
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What does it mean to be a member of IETA? Designed for curious, strategic organizations looking to join a global network of carbon market leaders, this session is an opportunity to gain insight into how members engage in IETA’s work, contribute to policy dialogue, and help shape market-based climate solutions. For more information and interest in participating, please contact Meg Miller, miller@ieta.org.
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How do permanent carbon removal solutions like Direct Air Capture play a critical role in aviation’s path to net zero? This panel brings together leading experts from the carbon removal and aviation sectors to explore the latest developments in their fields, and how collaboration between them can help address some of the aviation industry’s most pressing challenges.
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This session will look at the benefits of linking CDRs to products and services, provide an update on Monitoring Reporting and Verification (MRV) and showcase the ability modulate the carbon intensity.
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This session explores Article 6.2 and CORSIA as evolving market opportunities, providing a practical overview of how authorization and eligibility are operationalized. The session will cover Verra's updated Article 6 and CORSIA label framework, explaining how labels reflect authorization stages and eligibility, and the roles of LOAs, BTRs/CARP, and insurance in enabling use and providing confidence to market participants.
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As ETSs continue to expand, deepen, and interconnect, this session unpacks what's driving change. Drawing on the report's key findings, we'll explore the latest trends in ETS design, implementation, and reform - across systems already in force, those under development, and those under consideration globally. From industrial decarbonisation to climate policy delivery and cross-border cooperation, carbon markets are playing an increasingly pivotal role in the transition to net zero.
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DAY 2
April 15
Organiser Remarks by Dirk Forrister, President & CEO - IETA
Welcome Address by the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce
Ministerial Address by Elena Pita, Director General, Spanish Climate Change Office - Ministry of Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Spain
Keynote Presentation by the European Space Agency (ESA)
The ECS 2026 opening plenary will kick off with a scene setting presentation discussing the key findings of the ICAP ETS Status Report, then go onto exploring the development of carbon markets in key jurisdictions around the world and how it may impact the EU ETS, CBAM implementation, Europe's competitiveness, multilateralism and global climate action.
Facilitator:
Dirk Forrister, President & CEO - IETA
Scene Setting Presentation:
Stefano De Clara, Head of Secretariat - International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP)
Speakers:
Elena Pita, Director General, Spanish Climate Change Office - Ministry of Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge, Spain
Kavita Ahluwalia, Co-Chair, IETA EU Working Group & Senior Vice President, Governmental Relations International – Uniper
Sandra Hanni, Global Policy Lead for Trade and Climate - International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
Jean-Philippe Brisson, Partner, Climate Change & Energy Transition Lead - Latham & Watkins
With the new European Climate Law confirming that up to 5% of the 2040 target may be met through international credits, the EU must now decide how to integrate these units into its climate policy architecture. The choice will shape market dynamics and the design of the 2031–2035 pilot phase. This panel will discuss emerging Article 6 approaches and how to leverage international credits to support its 2040 goal while preserving environmental integrity and reinforcing international climate cooperation.
Moderator:
Jacopo Bencini, Research Associate - European University Institute (EUI)
Speakers:
Sebastien Paquot, Head of Unit, Task Force International Carbon Pricing and Markets Diplomacy - DG CLIMA, European Commission
Laura Tirollois, Deputy Head of the Carbon Credits Office - Ministry of Ecological Transition, France
Frédéric Gagnon-Lebrun, Compliance Market Specialist, Consultant - The Rockefeller Foundation
Ariel Perez, Head of Carbon, EMEA - VITOL
Abhishek Kaushik, Senior Advisor, Climate and Carbon Markets - UNEP Copenhagen Climate Centre
This panel examines how emerging PACM rules and methodologies will shape project implementation. Rule makers will outline key regulatory developments, developers will share practical challenges, and buyers will highlight market expectations — exploring how projects can adapt to evolving requirements while remaining financially viable, using clean cooking as a case study.
Moderator:
Donee Alexander, Chief Carbon Officer - Bridge Carbon
Speakers:
Dexter Lee, Member - PACM Supervisory Body, United Kingdom
Pascal Siegwart, Vice President Carbon Markets & Economy - TotalEnergies
Steven Pluymaekers, Senior Manager - Clean Cooking Alliance
Ritika Tewari, Principal Consultant - South Pole
. Alick Muvundika, Member - PACM Supervisory Body, Zambia
Part 1: Future Outlook for the Market Stability Reserve (MSR) in ETS1 and ETS2
Upcoming MSR Review, Reform Options, and More Flexible Governance Arrangements
Moderator:
Frédéric Simon, Head of Europe - Carbon Pulse
Speakers:
Hæge Fjellheim, Head of Carbon Analysis - Veyt
Florent Le Strat, Researcher and Expert, Climate Policy R&D - Électricité de France (EDF)
Part 2: The Role of the EU ETS in Supporting Industrial Transition
At the Crossroads of Free Allocation Phase-Out, the Industrial Decarbonisation Bank, and CBAM
Moderator: Frédéric Simon, Head of Europe - Carbon Pulse
Speakers:
Nicola Rega, Executive Director Climate Change and Energy - CEFIC
Josh Cowley, Head of Research, Carbon - Fastmarkets
Cross-border cooperation on emissions trading is increasingly recognised to enhance market efficiency, price stability, and collective climate ambition. This session will bring together government representatives discuss governance considerations, technical and legal challenges, and lessons learned from linking emissions trading systems, as well as the potential implications for future international carbon market integration.
Moderator:
Stefano De Clara, Head of Secretariat - International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP)
Speakers:
Alistair McGirr, Group Head of Policy and Advocacy - SSE
Miguel Delgado, Manager, Technical - Climate Action Reserve (CAR)
Ruth Dagan, Partner - Herzog Fox & Neeman
Takashi Hongo, Senior Fellow - Mitsui
Oğuz Tosun, CEO - Climate Balanced
Part 3: Integration of Carbon Removals in the EU ETS:The Goal, the Governance, and the Impact on Market Functioning
Moderator:
Andrea Bonzanni, International Policy Director - IETA
Speakers:
Joel Gould, Markets & Policy Lead - BeZero
Anton Koninckx, Advisor, Climate, Renewables & Storage - Eurelectric
Part 4: Future Outlook for Application of the EU ETS to International Aviation: Scenarios and Market Impact
Moderator:
Andrea Bonzanni, International Policy Director - IETA
Speakers:
Anna Hickey, Partner - Philip Lee
James Cooper, Head of Origination, Environmental Products Europe - Mercuria*
One year since the European Space Agency launched its cutting-edge Biomass satellite, this session explores remote sensing and digital MRV of nature-based carbon projects. A variety of solutions and innovations will be discussed, including synthetic aperture radar, wildfire detection, and monitoring of early-stage ARR projects, burn areas, and more. Join us to hear from subject-matter experts and ask questions.
Moderator:
Kyle Lynch, Policy Advisor - IETA
Introductory Presentation:
Neha Hunka, Forest Applications Scientist - European Space Agency
Speakers:
Niels Andela, Director of Remote Sensing - BeZero
Alexis Moyer, Customer Solutions Lead - Space Intelligence
Leonie Nazemi, Head of Business Development - OroraTechTech
Separate paid ticket required for entrance, purchased online in advance of the party. Limited capacity. Tickets are sold on a first come, first serve basis.
With the proposed one-year delay to the launch of the EU’s new emissions trading system for buildings, road transport and additional sectors (ETS2), political uncertainty has entered a crucial phase of implementation. This high-level session will unpack the latest market and policy expectations for ETS2, and discuss the state of transposition and institutional preparedness. Experts will assess whether the EU is truly on track for a smooth and credible start to its newest carbon market.
Moderator:
Svea Nyberg, EU Policy Officer - IETA
Speakers:
François Schmitt, Policy Officer, Carbon Markets and Clean Mobility - DG CLIMA, European Commission
Nick Osborne, Vice President, Global Carbon and Environmental Products Trading - Shell
Emma Coker, Head of European Environmental Markets - BloombergNEF
Ellen De Vocht, Head of EU Representation - EEX
DAY 3
April 16
Join us for a networking breakfast celebrating the leadership and growing impact of women in carbon markets across Europe and beyond. This gathering offers a space to connect, share experiences, and build community among professionals driving climate solutions. As carbon markets expand and diversify, promoting visibility and inclusion is essential for shaping a more equitable and effective climate finance landscape.
Thank you to our Partner Sponsor
Co-Facilitators:
Eilís O’Keefe, Vice-President Carbon Markets - Kita
Svea Nyberg, EU Policy Officer - IETA
Remarks by:
Franziska Heidenreich, Team Leader Bilateral Cooperation - myClimate
Alessandra Botta, Senior Manager, Energy & Climate - FleishmanHillard
This plenary explores the role of VCM in the New Carbon Order, progress towards convergence and confidence to support corporate decarbonization and NDCs delivery. Addressing business cases, legal risk, VCM- Article 6 - compliance interactions and integrity. What governments, standards setters and private sector must deliver to enable confident corporates investment in carbon credits?
Moderator:
Luis Panichelli, VCM Policy Director - IETA
Scene Setting Presentation:
Guy Turner, Managing Director - MSCI Carbon Markets
Speakers:
Dexter Lee, The Coalition to Grow Carbon Markets & Carbon Markets Lead Negotiator - UK Government
Pedro Barata, Governing Board - ICVCM
Ekaterina Shilina, Regulatory Affairs, Carbon Markets - RWEST
Angelo Sartori, Senior Director, Government and Policy Engagement - Verra
With the definitive regime in force, CBAM operators are working through the requirements of full compliance. This session explores recent developments in implementation, with a focus on key practical, regulatory and international considerations emerging. Industry representatives will discuss experiences, challenges and impacts, and EU trade partners will explore areas of alignment and divergence for both importers and exporters.
Moderator:
Iryna Holovko, Carbon Market Expert - International Carbon Action Partnership (ICAP)
Scene Setting Presentation:
Aurora D'Aprile, EU Policy Officer - IETA
Speakers:
Sarah Hay, Climate Policy Lead - Norsk Hydro
Felix Schmid-Rheude, Head of Department, Infrastructure and Sustainability - TÜV SÜD
Alfredo Nicastro, Senior Vice-President, Global Head of Carbon Markets - StoneX
Bahar Güçlü, Deputy Permanent Representative of Türkiye to the European Union
As the CORSIA market moves into the final year of Phase 1, market activity is ramping up and market dynamics are beginning to come into focus. However, with a potential shortfall in supply and demand from airlines still nascent, this session will assess the state of the market and how it continues to evolve. It will also assess the impact on CORSIA of the latest policy, including key forthcoming decisions from the EU on credit eligibility and on potential extension of the scope of the EU ETS.
Moderator:
Will Gifford, Policy Manager, Aviation & NCS - IETA
Speakers:
Chris Slater, CEO - Oka
Rory McDougall, Chief Financial Officer - DelAgua
Jiae Yang, Assistant Manager, Climate Policy - IATA
Elizabeth Guinessey, Manager, VCS Program Development - Verra
Michael Evans, Group Sustainability Insights Manager - IAG*
For more information please contact Luis Panichelli, panichelli@ieta.org
Climate revenues are becoming central to EU decarbonisation as carbon prices rise and ETS coverage expands, providing major funding for innovation, energy‑system investment, and social protection such as the Social Climate Fund. Amid debates over CBAM revenue use, this panel will examine how climate revenues can support competitiveness, a just transition, and EU climate leadership.
Moderator:
Ingo Ramming, Head of Carbon Markets – BBVA
Speakers:
Francesco Lombardi Stocchetti, Sustainable Finance and Economy - Bellona Foundation
Micah Ton, Climate & Energy Adviser - European Lime Association
Marta Roslaniec, Project Assistant - Cake/Kobize
Humberto Rocha, Associate Director Climate and Carbon Markets - OPIS
Pierfrancesco Maran, ENVI Committee Chair - European Parliament*
This special roundtable brings together senior industry leaders from around the world, for a moderated discussion to explore common challenges and gain new perspectives. We will address where carbon accounting was and where it needs to go, and how it relates to markets, GHG protocol, boarder adjustments as well as climate policy.
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