At a Brussels summit, EU heads of state asked the European Commission to update its assessment of ETS2, the planned carbon tax on fuel for transport and buildings. The request came after Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Italy pushed to delay the scheme to at least 2030. The final conclusions dropped that demand and instead asked for a fresh look at the design and safeguards. Leaders also talked about ETS1, the existing carbon market for industry and power. They want the ongoing review of the market stability reserve to curb price swings and limit the effect on electricity prices. The Commission was also asked to propose short-term measures to ease high energy prices, including extending state aid for vulnerable industries. Energy prices are the main fault line. The Strait of Hormuz blockade hits member states differently, and Belgium's PM noted gas prices are up 70 percent since January. The debate over ETS2 is not over, but this outcome keeps the policy intact while kicking the design fight down the road.
