University of Gothenburg
FRAM - Centre for Future Chemical Risk Assessment and Management Strategies
Pictures of Incentivize team members
  2. FRAM - Centre for Future Chemical Risk Assessment and Management Strategies
  3. Policy Lab on Cap-and-Trade Approaches for Hazardous Substances in the EU

Policy Lab on Cap-and-Trade Approaches for Hazardous Substances in the EU

The INCENTIVIZE project explores how economic instruments, such as cap-and-trade systems, could support the phase-out of hazardous substances in the EU alongside existing regulations like REACH. A Policy Lab in Brussels (2–3 July 2026) will gather stakeholders to discuss opportunities, challenges, and design options, contributing to ongoing research and policy development.

Policy Lab on Cap-and-Trade Approaches for Hazardous Substances in the EU

The Universities of Stockholm, Gothenburg, Helsinki and Aachen are carrying out a research project, INCENTIVIZE, which explores how economic policy instruments can incentivize the phase-out of hazardous substances such as PFAS and SVHCs.

Cap-and-trade systems have been successfully implemented in the EU for greenhouse gases (EU ETS) and fluorinated gases (F-gas Regulation). This project examines whether similar approaches could complement existing regulatory frameworks for hazardous chemicals. The aim is not to replace instruments such as REACH, but to explore whether such approaches could strengthen incentives for substitution within the current system.

As part of this work, we would like to invite you to participate in a stakeholder dialogue (a “Policy Lab”), organised back-to-back with CARACAL in Brussels on 2–3 July 2026.

Purpose
The purpose of the Policy Lab is to:

  • gather your feedback on the potential use of cap-and-trade approaches for hazardous substances
  • discuss perceived advantages, challenges and concerns
  • receive your advice to inform the further development of the research 

Timing
The Policy Lab will start approximately one hour after the end of CARACAL (exact time to be confirmed once the CARACAL agenda is finalised) on 2 July, and will conclude by lunch on 3 July 2026.

Preliminary programme

2 July 2026 (afternoon)

  • Opening and objectives of the Policy Lab
  • Presentation: How a cap-and-trade system for hazardous substances could work
  • Breakout sessions: Initial reactions, key challenges and possible pathways 

Dinner

  • Keynote by Jos Delbeke (European Investment Bank Chair on Climate Policy at the European University Institute, former Director-General of DG CLIMA):
    “Challenges of establishing the EU ETS in 2002–03”
  • Discussion 

3 July 2026 (morning, until lunch)

  • Breakout sessions: Feasibility and design considerations
  • Plenary discussion: Key insights and policy implications
  • Next steps 

Venue

Fipra, Rue de la Loi 227, Brussels 1040 (near Schuman).
The venue can accommodate up to 35 participants.

Participation is free of charge, including the dinner. The Policy Lab will be held under the Chatham House Rule to facilitate open and constructive exchange.

Registration
Please register to the event via the following LINK

A short concept note on cap-and-trade approaches for hazardous chemicals will be shared with registered participants in advance of the meeting.

 

Why participate?

  • Gain insights into how market-based instruments could complement EU chemicals regulation
  • Contribute your expertise to shape emerging policy approaches
  • Engage in an informed dialogue on cost-effective and ambitious strategies for reducing hazardous substances in the EU

More information
For more information, please contact Natasja Börjeson natasja.borjeson@aces.su.se

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