The Czech Republic has gained the support of a qualified majority in the EU for the revision of emission allowances
Prague – The Czech Republic has gained the support of a qualified majority of EU states for the amendment of the planned ETS 2 emissions trading system. The proposal includes, for example, a cap on the price of permits or adjustments to the trading system. This was stated by Prime Minister Petr Fiala (ODS) at today’s press conference. According to him, the government does not want to implement the new permit system, as it would lead to further increases in fuel and housing prices. Therefore, it will continue to seek support in the EU for the complete abolition of the system. However, it currently does not have this support.
The new ETS 2 emissions trading system is set to expand trading in permits to include, for example, road transport and building heating. It is planned to take effect from 2027 according to current plans. Experts believe that the system could significantly increase household costs for energy and fuels. “We will not introduce new emissions permits because we do not want to expose people to rising fuel or housing prices. People should not have to pay for nonsensical ambitions. On the contrary, we are working to adjust and abolish the whole thing,” said Fiala.
According to him, in recent months, the Czech Republic has launched an initiative within the EU aimed at revising the new permit system. “Today, we managed to gain the support of a qualified majority of European Union states for a fundamental change in emissions permits, so that we can be sure that there is no significant increase in housing and fuel prices,” the Prime Minister stated. According to him, the government is proceeding in steps within its initiative and will continue to seek support in the EU for the postponement or complete abolition of the ETS 2 system.
The proposal for the revision of the new permit system, for which the Czech Republic has now gained support, includes, according to Minister of the Environment Petr Hladík, a total of five main adjustments to the system. The most important of these is likely to be the capping of the permit price at 45 euros per ton of carbon dioxide. Other changes include, for example, adjustments to the trading system, the initiation of so-called preliminary auctions of permits as early as 2026, regular publication of key data and predictions in the system, or the extension of the permit reserve. According to Fiala, the goal of the initiative is for the European Commission to incorporate these proposals into the system this fall. (June 25)
