Ten European Union countries, including Italy and Poland, have jointly urged the European Commission to reconsider the planned ETS2 carbon price on heating and transport fuels, set to launch in 2028. They argue that citizens should not face new climate taxes amid current economic and geopolitical pressures. The group also demands more free CO2 permits for industries without strict conditions tied to decarbonization investments. The pushback threatens to delay or weaken a key pillar of the EU's climate strategy. Supporters of ETS2, including Germany and Sweden, say the levy is essential to drive the shift to cleaner cars and heating, with revenues earmarked to help consumers transition. The Commission has already delayed the scheme by a year but resists further changes before it launches. With enough votes to block amendments, the opposing bloc could force significant revisions during upcoming negotiations. This development highlights growing tension between climate ambition and political feasibility in the EU's carbon market reform.
