Losing cabin pressure - A study on the forces behind the proposal to derogate intercontinental flights from Directive 2003/87/EC

Abstract

In 2008, with support from all institutions, the EU decided to include aviation into its Emissions Trading System (ETS) in order to mitigate greenhouse emissions from the sector. Initially, this decision received criticism, both internally and internationally, demonstrating the controversies surrounding it. Subsequently, in November 2012 the Commission presented a proposal to temporarily derogate intercontinental flights from the original decision. While the official explanation was that it wished to facilitate a global solution at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the specific circumstances around the derogation proposal are unclear. Since aviation is a global industry, multiple actors and interest constellations, both internally and internationally, have participated. A key factor in this discussion, and overall within environmental policy, is therefore the influence and impact by specific actors within the policy process. This master thesis examines why the proposal was presented, by looking closer at what actors that have been present and essential during the process leading up to the derogation proposal. A qualitative method was applied where a theoretical approach, including principles of influence, power and setting the agenda, has been established to answer how the proposal was made possible. In order to further explain the process, new institutionalism has provided additional perspectives, to explain why the proposal was presented. The study has found that both internal and external pressure led the EU to present the derogation proposal.