Nordic Sustainability Briefing — 15 July 2026
Today's developments span new EU carbon-farming certification rules, workplace heat-protection tools for small employers, momentum on carbon capture, Nordic EV market signals, and a pending reform of the EU carbon market.
EU adopts certification rules for carbon farming
On 9 July the European Commission adopted three certification methodologies under the Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming (CRCF) Regulation, covering agriculture and agroforestry on mineral soils, peatland rewetting and restoration, and afforestation. The framework is intended to let farmers, foresters and land managers access financial rewards for verified climate action through a harmonised, credible certification system.
EU-OSHA promotes heat risk-assessment tool as heatwaves intensify
With heatwaves intensifying across Europe, EU-OSHA is highlighting its free Online interactive Risk Assessment (OiRA) tool on heat and cold to help companies assess thermal hazards and identify preventive measures such as adapting work organisation, planning rest breaks, and improving access to water, shade and ventilation. Its OSH Pulse 2025 survey found that around one in five EU workers faced extreme heat on the job in the previous 12 months.
Commission convenes industry to scale up carbon capture and storage
Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra brought together industry, public authorities and civil society to identify practical solutions for scaling up carbon capture and storage across Europe. The dialogue examined how to accelerate deployment and support the EU's industrial decarbonisation.
Nordic EV registrations show strong electrification amid market swings
January 2026 data showed contrasting dynamics across Nordic car markets, with high battery-electric shares in Norway (roughly 94% of new registrations) and Denmark (about 83%), while Sweden and Finland saw more modest EV-share growth. Norway's overall registrations fell sharply year-on-year, partly reflecting fiscal changes and buyers registering vehicles before new VAT rules took effect on 1 January 2026.
Commission set to propose EU carbon market reform in July
The Commission is expected to present a proposal in July 2026 to reform the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS1) amid high energy prices, including a measure to strengthen the Market Stability Reserve. The introduction of ETS2, covering fuel combustion in buildings and road transport, has been postponed by one year to 2028.