Italian Minister of Industry Adolfo Urso, supported by representatives from Poland and Germany, has called on the European Commission to immediately suspend the ETS system pending its thorough revision. During a meeting in Brussels, politicians argued that current CO2 emission charges constitute an excessive tax burden that drastically reduces the competitiveness of European industry in global markets, especially in the face of growing pressure from the United States and China.

Demand for ETS Suspension

Italy and Poland are demanding a halt to the CO2 emissions trading system, claiming it destroys industrial competitiveness.

Inflation Stabilization in the EU

Christine Lagarde (ECB) announced that inflation in the eurozone is moving toward the 2% target, allowing for interest rates to be maintained.

Referendum in Iceland

Iceland's Prime Minister announced in Warsaw plans to hold a referendum on starting accession negotiations with the European Union.

The current debate in Brussels focuses on the future of the ETS system, which according to Italian Minister Adolfo Urso has become a de facto tax hindering development. Italy, with the support of the "Friends of Industry" group, which includes Poland and Germany among others, is demanding a freeze of the mechanism until the revision planned for summer. Critics point out that high allowance prices (hovering around €70 per ton) translate into a drastic increase in energy costs for households and businesses. MEP Nicola Procaccini described the system as a "tragic mistake" that favors non-European competition. However, member states' reactions are divided. Sweden, represented by Deputy Prime Minister Ebba Busch, warns against the erosion of the foundations of EU climate policy, which could undermine the Community's decision-making credibility. Meanwhile, France leans towards reform but opposes a complete dismantling of the system. Parallel to the climate disputes, ECB President Christine Lagarde confirmed the effectiveness of the fight against inflation, which in the eurozone fell to 1.7% in January, although food prices remain a challenge. Lagarde predicts price growth stabilization at 2% in the medium term, justifying maintaining current interest rates. The ETS system was established to implement the goals of the Kyoto Protocol and since 2005 has undergone numerous reforms, gradually covering additional economic sectors and reducing the number of free allowances.The geopolitical situation also remains tense. On Lebanon's southern border, a rare armed incident occurred where the Lebanese army returned fire on Israeli shelling, violating the terms of the November 2024 ceasefire. In the diplomatic sphere, Iceland announced plans to hold a referendum on joining the EU, which Prime Minister Kristrun Frostadottir communicated during a visit to Warsaw. In the financial sector, Banco BPM and Monte dei Paschi di Siena (MPS) are preparing new lists of candidates for management boards and industrial plans, which sparked optimism on the Milan stock exchange. The Italian government also announced the launch of a €1.2 billion fund for the renovation of 60,000 social housing units as part of a nationwide housing plan. „Il sistema Ets dell'Ue è un'ulteriore tassa a carico delle imprese europee, che incide sui costi e ne limita la competitività.” — Italian Minister of Industry

Perspektywy mediów: Liberal media emphasize the need to protect ETS as a key transformation tool, warning against the climate populism of the Meloni government. Conservative media support Urso, seeing ETS as an ideological barrier destroying Italian industry and impoverishing society.

Mentioned People

  • Adolfo Urso — Italian Minister of Enterprises and Made in Italy, main initiator of ETS suspension.
  • Christine Lagarde — President of the European Central Bank, presenting inflation report in the European Parliament.
  • Kristrun Frostadottir — Prime Minister of Iceland, announced plans for a referendum on EU accession.
  • Nicola Procaccini — Co-chair of the ECR group in the European Parliament, critic of EU climate policy.