Czech pushes ETS change in Brussels, Babiš warns of harsh impact on firms

Brussels, 19 June (ČTK correspondents) - Changing the EU ETS emissions trading system is the fastest way to help not only Czech but also European industry, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš said today. Once all impacts on Czech industry are added up, the net negative impact amounts to CZK 55 billion a year, he said. The prime minister spoke to journalists ahead of the second day of talks between EU presidents and prime ministers in Brussels.

"Within the European Council, they already call me ETS because we were the first to come up with it in January," Babiš said, adding that he repeatedly raises the issue at leaders' meetings.

However, he also has support from several other countries, including Italy and Poland.

"We can see what is happening in Germany, the problems facing its automotive industry. So we are pleased that we have managed to achieve some partial successes, namely that the (European) Commission is at least willing to revise the directive," the prime minister added.