Prague – On Tuesday, the government finalized and dispatched a letter to President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Council António Costa, and the leaders of EU member states. This significant document outlines the Czech Republic’s stance for the extraordinary European Council summit scheduled for 12 February. Prime Minister Andrej Babiš indicated in the Chamber of Deputies that the letter addresses the future of European industry. Deputy Prime Minister Karel Havlíček (ANO) informed ČTK that it pertains to topics such as emission allowances and competitiveness.
Babiš refrained from detailing the letter’s contents when approached by ČTK, but confirmed that it will be made public soon. “It is a key document representing the Czech Republic’s position for the extraordinary European Council summit in February. The letter fundamentally discusses the future of European industry and the implications of Fit for 55,” he stated.
“We are preparing a decisive position for our prime minister, particularly regarding emission allowances. However, the focus extends beyond that to overall competitiveness. The letter is quite assertive and critically examines, for example, the Antwerp Declaration, but all details will be included in the letter,” Havlíček explained to ČTK. He noted that the Ministry of Industry played a significant role in drafting the letter, with contributions also from the Ministry of the Environment and Babiš’s team.
The Antwerp Declaration on an Industrial Deal, issued in February 2024, originated from a meeting of over 70 executives from major industrial corporations and representatives of associations, particularly within the chemical industry and other energy-intensive sectors in the EU, as noted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The declaration advocates for the establishment of a European Industrial Deal, aimed at complementing the Green Deal and enhancing support for EU industry to strengthen competitiveness.
Babiš’s government, outlining its policy agenda, calls for a review of the Green Deal. Immediately after taking office in mid-December, it dismissed the ETS 2 emission allowance scheme intended for carbon dioxide emissions from fuel combustion in buildings and road transport. At that time, the cabinet also directed the ministers of environment and industry and trade to seek support within the EU for the elimination of this system. (28 January)
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