EU member states seek delay of ETS2 carbon pricing until 2030

Six European Union member states—Greece, Italy, Czechia, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia—are planning to request a delay in the implementation of the ETS2 carbon pricing system for buildings and transport until at least 2030. The group cites the energy crisis and soaring energy prices, alongside significant electricity price disparities between member states, as primary reasons for the requested postponement.

In a separate but related development, the industry association Eurelectric, representing the European electricity sector, has issued a letter to European Council President António Costa. The association, which includes 25 organizations, is calling for a predictable emissions cap and a rules-based market stability reserve to maintain long-term investment signals. Eurelectric also urged that ETS revenues be directed toward industrial decarbonization, electromobility, and clean energy investments.

During the EU summit in Brussels, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis criticized the draft conclusions for failing to adequately address the urgency of the energy crisis and the impact of rising costs on consumers and businesses.