Czechia and Visegrád partners seek delay to EU emissions scheme

Czechia, Slovakia, Poland and Hungary, backed by Italy and Greece, are seeking changes to EU summit conclusions on competitiveness and energy prices, diplomatic sources told the Czech News Agency. The Visegrád countries want the European Commission to reassess the ETS2 emissions trading scheme and postpone its launch until at least 2030. Currently scheduled for 2028, it would cover fuels used in road transport and building heating. They also want stronger recognition of national differences in energy costs and changes concerning the existing emissions market. Disagreement over ETS2 has helped stall agreement on the conclusions, with leaders expected to resume discussions later.