Malta’s three Labour MEPs are pushing for changes to the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), arguing that current rules need to better reflect Malta and Gozo’s dependence on maritime and air connectivity.Alex Agius Saliba, Daniel Attard and Thomas Bajada have proposed a package of amendments covering shipping, aviation, energy, waste management and access to EU decarbonisation funding.One of the key proposals would change how ETS obligations are calculated for certain shipping routes serving island states. Instead of charges effectively applying regardless of how much cargo is being transported, the MEPs want calculations to reflect the vessel capacity actually being used for cargo on each voyage.The delegation argues this is particularly important for Malta because ships can arrive fully loaded with imports before departing with considerably less cargo.“For Malta and Gozo, maritime and air connectivity is crucial,” Bajada and Attard said, pointing to Malta’s reliance on transport for food, medicines, raw materials and other essential supplies. They argued that environmental targets should not place disproportionate costs on families and businesses.The MEPs are also seeking to extend the existing ETS derogation for connections to small islands until 2040, alongside direct funding to help decarbonise fleets. They said this is particularly relevant to the Malta-Gozo connection, while arguing that a more permanent derogation would ultimately be preferable because of Gozo’s “double insularity”.At least 20% of a maritime support mechanism would also be reserved for SMEs, ferries, short-sea shipping operators and vessels serving islands and peripheral regions under the proposed changes.For aviation, the Labour delegation wants support for sustainable aviation fuels extended until 2040 and increased, including covering up to 100% of the remaining price difference between sustainable and conventional fuels in certain cases, rather than 30%.The amendments have been submitted within the European Parliament’s Environment and Transport committees. They have not yet been approved and would still need to pass through negotiations in the EU legislative process before taking effect.Do you think EU emissions rules should give Malta and Gozo special consideration?•