Czechia wants to support proposal to suspend emissions trading system at EU summit

Czechia wants to support an Italian proposal at the European Council to suspend the application of the emissions trading system (EU ETS 1) covering energy, large industry and aviation, Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said today after a government meeting. It also wants to propose a price cap and exempt energy-intensive sectors from the system. The European Council will take place in Brussels on 19–20 March.

"Historically, the system had its justification, but it has turned into trading by even those who are not obliged to pay for emissions," Babiš said.

He added that Czechia would fight, together with other countries, to push through what he considers the only rapid way to help European industry, especially as the impacts of the crisis in the Middle East can now be observed, for example.

According to Babiš, other topics at the EU summit will include Ukraine, the Middle East, competitiveness and the internal market, the future multiannual financial framework after 2027, European security and defence, and migration.