20 September 2011: The second round of negotiations between the EU and Switzerland on linking their carbon emissions trading systems was held on 20 September 2011, in Zurich, Switzerland. The negotiations seek to develop an agreement under which Switzerland and the EU would recognize each other’s carbon emissions allowances.

Once an agreement is reached to recognize each other’s emission allowances, the EU and Switzerland’s emission trading systems would be linked and allowances would be traded at the same price. At this second round of negotiations, negotiators acknowledged progress made on a technical level since talks began. The delegations have, inter alia, reiterated that the agreement being negotiated will cover carbon dioxide emissions from both stationary installations and from international air traffic. [Swiss Federal Authorities Press Release]