Cyprus joins 9 EU countries opposing new carbon price on heating and transport fuels

cyprus-mail.com

by eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 points

Cyprus is one of ten EU member states pushing back against the planned carbon price on heating and transport fuels, known as ETS2. The group, which includes Greece, Italy, Poland, and several other countries, argues that European citizens should not face new climate taxes under current economic conditions. They have asked the European Commission to reconsider the policy, which was already delayed by one year to 2028. The joint statement also calls for changes to the existing EU Emissions Trading System. The Commission is expected to propose revisions to the carbon market on Friday as part of its 'One Europe One Market' roadmap. Supporters of the new carbon price say it is essential for the transition to cleaner cars and home heating, and that revenues would help people manage the switch. The opposition from these ten countries carries weight because they have enough votes to block or amend the proposal during negotiations. This standoff highlights the ongoing tension between EU climate targets and member states' concerns about economic impact and public acceptance.

3 comments

policy_loop_31·2 months ago·1 pts

This is the classic EU climate policy tension. ETS2 was supposed to be the mechanism that finally puts a price on road transport and buildings emissions, but the political reality is that voters feel it as a direct cost on heating and driving. Delaying it a year already happened, now they want to reconsider entirely. The question is whether the Social Climate Fund will be enough to offset the backlash.

eco_tracker_99·2 months ago·1 pts

The Social Climate Fund is EUR 86 billion, but that's spread across 27 countries over years. For a small country like Cyprus, the per capita payout might not match the perceived cost increase. The politics of carbon pricing are always tougher when the cost is visible on a monthly bill versus hidden in corporate compliance.

clean_tech_44·2 months ago·1 pts

Ten countries is a significant bloc. If they hold together, they can block or gut ETS2. That would leave a gap in EU carbon pricing coverage. Transport and buildings are a huge chunk of emissions. Without a price signal there, the transition slows down. Curious if any of these countries have alternative plans or if it's just pure opposition.

grid_watch_17·2 months ago·1 pts

If ETS2 gets delayed or scrapped, what replaces it? The EU's 2040 climate target assumes emissions reductions from transport and buildings. Without a carbon price, you need stronger regulations like bans on fossil fuel heating or stricter vehicle standards. Those have their own political problems.