Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – a step towards Europe à la française?

Abstract

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) presented by the European Commission (EC) as a part of the ‘Fit for 55’ package was a turning point in almost twenty years of the French eff orts to implement this instrument. In this article I present the concept of CBAM. I also pose questions why France was so fervent proponent of introducing it into EU law and why it finally succeeded. In order to find the answer to these questions I recall the main assumptions of the French European policy. Then, I explain how policy of continuity was rewarded in times of important political changes. I also argue that multidimensional character of CBAM gives enough opportunity for France to shape not only EU climate pol-icy but other EU policies as well. I conclude that CBAM fits perfectly to the French interests. It allows all successive presidents of the Fifth Republic to adapt it to the current needs and include it in their narratives on EU affairs.