Carbon Business Council Expands European Footprint to Support the Continent’s Carbon Removal Leadership

As carbon removal (CDR) progresses from start-up to scale-up phase, Europe has emerged as one of the most ambitious and fast-moving regions in the world

Most recently, the EU announced it will include international CO₂ credits in its climate targets for the first time. From the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF) to national funding commitments and emerging public purchase programs, the continent is taking concrete steps to define how high-quality carbon removal will scale as a significant industrial sector.

The growth of the carbon removal field is not just important for Europe - it’s globally significant.

Around the world, momentum is building. New policy frameworks are emerging from California to Kenya. Project deployments are accelerating. In this context, Europe has a unique opportunity to lead and help shape the future of the sector.

Recognizing Europe’s central role in shaping the future of carbon removal, the Carbon Business Council (CO2BC) is deepening its presence in the region, including the appointment of a new Global Communications Manager based in Europe, starting this Autumn.

As the global connector for carbon removal, CO2BC works across geographies, pathways, and sectors to bring together policymakers, investors, nonprofits and CDR innovators. Europe’s carbon removal ambition will go farther when informed by a global view of policy and the latest CDR operational developments.

"Our job is to help Europe build a strong, competitive position in scaling carbon removal responsibly, by connecting the region’s leaders with experts, insights and tools that extend across borders." said Ben Rubin, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Carbon Business Council.

CO2BC is the global champion for the carbon removal industry, working across the private and policy sectors. The organization represents over 100 carbon removal companies, spanning all CDR pathways across six continents, from the USA and Canada to Europe and Asia. Europe has long been part of the Council’s global work, with many members already operating in the region, including Carboculture (biochar, Finland), ClimeFi (portfolio management, France), Neustark (concrete, Switzerland) and UNDO (enhanced weathering, UK) amongst many others.

>> In Other News: Built, Running, Scaling: 2025’s Green Hydrogen Reality Check

CO2BC engages in key policy processes across the region, including responses to the EU Emissions Trading System, the Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF), and consultations with the UNFCCC and UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

With a deeper presence in Europe, the Carbon Business Council can better support its members and contribute meaningfully to the policies and partnerships shaping the future of carbon removal.

Why Europe is at a pivotal moment for carbon removal

Several converging developments are putting Europe at the forefront of global CDR:

• The EU’s 2040 climate targets will include international carbon credits for the first time, positioning Europe as a global market-maker in CDR.

• The Carbon Removal Certification Framework (CRCF), currently under development, will define how removals are measured, verified, and recognised across the EU. With public consultation open through 2025, it will shape the future of carbon markets and climate reporting.

• Germany’s 2025 draft federal budget includes €4.75 million for CDR – the country’s first dedicated funding line item for the sector, signalling growing national commitment.

• The European Commission’s proposed purchasing program could mobilise between €2.5 and €6.2 billion to stimulate demand for high-durability CDR.

Together with growing private-sector investment and national-level procurement pilots, these signals underscore that Europe is moving from theory to deployment. What happens on the continent will shape the global carbon removal landscape.

Strengthening the ecosystem – together

The Carbon Business Council is expanding our presence in Europe to show up where we’re most needed - helping connect the dots between policy, practice, and people.

"Our focus is on sharing global lessons and helping Europe sustain its momentum through strong networks and global insights," added Executive Director, Ben Rubin.

• For policy makers and NGOs, CO2BC offers a bridge to the private sector and amplifies European leadership on the global stage.

• For the private sector, CO2BC clarifies policy developments, market shifts, and international dynamics to drive growth across CDR pathways.

• For media and stakeholders, CO2BC provides credible, timely insights into a complex and fast-evolving sector, connecting reporters with trusted experts from across the CDR ecosystem.

If you're working on carbon removal in Europe – whether as a policymaker, NGO, company, buyer, or researcher – we’d love to connect. Get in touch, follow our work, or reach out to explore how we can support your efforts.

Examples of CO2BC’s work in Europe to date

We’ve been actively engaged in key processes at a European level. Notable contributions include:

• Submitting formal responses to the EU ETS and CRCF, offering member-informed recommendations to strengthen integrity, transparency, and feasibility.

• Providing technical input to the UNFCCC and UK DESNZ on carbon removal governance and standard-setting.

• Supporting European member companies through introductions to policymakers, partnership opportunities, and ecosystem navigation.

About the Carbon Business Council

The Carbon Business Council is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit trade association of more than 100 carbon removal companies. The Council helps the industry scale responsibly by bringing together diverse companies to develop common priorities and collaborate with stakeholders in the public, private, academic, and civil society sectors. For more information, visit www.carbonbusinesscouncil.org.