Italy and the Czech Republic are asking the EU to soften carbon pricing rules ahead of the October leaders summit. Their proposal targets the next phase of the Emissions Trading System, ETS2, which would put a carbon price on buildings and road transport. They also want more use of the Market Stability Reserve to keep allowance prices from pushing energy costs higher. The two governments are also seeking a delay in methane monitoring rules for imported oil, gas, and coal. That part of the request is tied to supply security and the cost of compliance. EU institutions have already moved ETS2 to 2028, with allowance auctions starting in 2027, but Rome and Prague want a slower timeline. The outcome will matter for anyone watching carbon price direction and the pace of the EU's transition.
