In 2005, the EU introduced an emissions trading system in order to pursue its Kyoto obligations. This instrument gives emitters the flexibility to undertake reduction measures in the most cost-efficient way and mobilizes market forces for the protection of the earth’s climate. In this paper, we analyse the effects of emissions trading in Europe, especially the value of the flexibility gained by trading compared to fixed quotas. The analysis will be undertaken with a modified version of the GTAP-E model using the latest GTAP data base. It is based on the national allocation plans as submitted to and in most cases approved by the EU.