Ten EU nations, including Italy and Poland, are pushing the European Commission to delay or change the ETS2 carbon price on transport and heating fuels, set to start in 2028. They argue households can't handle extra costs right now. The coalition represents enough votes to block or slow down the reform, which covers about 40 percent of EU emissions. The ETS2 is meant to cut emissions from buildings and road transport, which make up roughly 35 percent of EU greenhouse gases. Supporters like Germany say carbon pricing drives cleaner tech and funds climate projects through an 86.7 billion euro Social Climate Fund. But opponents want more free allowances for industry and worry about public backlash if fuel prices rise before the economy improves. The outcome of these negotiations will affect how fast Europe decarbonizes transport, heating, and industry, and who bears the cost. The EU carbon market is the world's largest and a benchmark for global carbon pricing, with over 80 instruments now operating worldwide.
