Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš are preparing a joint proposal to soften EU rules on carbon permits and energy supply. Their plan, to be presented at the October EU summit, includes temporarily suspending a methane regulation that could restrict alternative gas suppliers from January, and delaying the ETS2 carbon market for road transport and housing until after 2028. The goal is to curb energy costs and avoid supply disruptions, according to Italian officials. This move highlights the tension between EU climate targets and near-term energy affordability. If adopted, it could weaken the bloc's emissions reduction timeline, especially in sectors like transport and buildings. However, supporters argue that without relief, higher energy prices could undermine public support for decarbonization. The outcome will signal how flexible the EU is willing to be on its Green Deal as energy costs remain a political flashpoint.
