Estonia joins EU powers in demanding ETS reforms: pushes self-driving car legalization

Estonia joins three major EU powers in demanding reforms to the bloc’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), as the country aligns with France, Germany, and Spain to push for greater flexibility in [the European Commission’s](en.wikipedia.org) proposed overhaul. The joint call, reported by Estonian public broadcaster ERR, targets adjustments to the ETS—Europe’s cornerstone carbon pricing mechanism—to better balance climate goals with economic competitiveness .

The move positions Estonia as a key player in shaping EU climate policy, leveraging its influence alongside larger member states. Officials argue the current proposals risk overburdening industries already grappling with high energy costs and global competition. No timeline has been set for the Commission’s response, but the coalition’s demands could delay final approval of the ETS reforms, originally slated for later this year.

In parallel, Estonia has become the third EU country to legalize self-driving cars on public roads, following the Netherlands and Lithuania. The new regulations, effective immediately, permit vehicles equipped with Level 3 autonomous systems—capable of handling most driving tasks but requiring human intervention in emergencies—to operate nationwide. ERR reports the government aims to attract tech investment and reduce road fatalities, which have stagnated at around 60 annually .

The policy shift reflects Estonia’s broader push to position itself as a digital and mobility innovation hub within the EU. The Netherlands, a leader in autonomous vehicle testing, has already seen pilot projects in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, while Lithuania’s 2025 rollout remains in its early stages. Estonia’s move could accelerate harmonization of EU-wide regulations, with the European Commission expected to propose a unified framework by 2027.

Meanwhile, travelers to Europe face mounting disruptions as new border systems take effect. Budget airlines, including Wizz Air, have warned passengers to arrive at airports three hours before flights to navigate the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES), which launched in May 2026. The system, which replaces manual passport stamps with biometric checks, has caused delays of up to 90 minutes at major hubs like Amsterdam Schiphol and Paris Charles de Gaulle, according to reports in the *Independent* and *Daily Record* .

The EES, mandatory for non-EU visitors including Britons post-Brexit, has also snarled transit for U.S. travelers, with FTN News reporting confusion over fingerprint and facial recognition requirements . The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), a pre-screening tool for visa-exempt travelers, is set to debut in late 2026, adding another layer of checks. EU officials acknowledge the teething problems but insist the systems will streamline security once fully operational.