MEPs to decide on ETS 2 changes, also discuss energy prices

Strasbourg, 29 April (CTK special correspondent) - MEPs will vote today, on the third day of the plenary session in Strasbourg, on their position on the European Commission's proposal to change the Market Stability Reserve under the new emissions trading system for road transport, buildings and other sectors (ETS2), which will enter into force on 1 January 2028. In the morning, the European Parliament will debate energy security and the impact of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran on oil prices with representatives of the European Commission and the European Council. Afternoon debates will focus, among other things, on human rights issues.

The morning debate is expected to address how the EU should respond to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and the associated rise in energy prices. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will be among those attending. The Middle East situation will also be the subject of one of the afternoon debates, in which MEPs will discuss the situation in southern Lebanon, where hundreds of people have been killed and thousands more forced to leave their homes as a result of Israeli strikes targeting the militant group Hezbollah.

After midday, MEPs will vote on their position on the European Commission's proposal to change the Market Stability Reserve for buildings, road transport and other ETS 2 sectors. This system is the second phase of the European emissions trading system; under the original proposal, it covers road transport and buildings. The amendments proposed by the European Parliament are intended to strengthen protections for households against sharp price fluctuations in emissions allowances. The proposal's rapporteur is Czech MEP Danuše Nerudová (STAN). The European Parliament's proposed changes to ETS 2 include the option of releasing allowances from the Market Stability Reserve a month earlier than the Commission proposes if prices rise sharply and suddenly. MEPs are also calling for unallocated allowances to remain in the reserve after 2031 and propose extending the price cap of 45 euros (over CZK 1,000) per tonne of CO₂ beyond 2029, at this year's prices.

In the afternoon, in addition to the situation in Lebanon, MEPs will debate, among other things, the need to combat antisemitism and protect Jews in Europe. The debates will also address the threats associated with normalising relations with Russia and the situation of Roma in Europe.