Prague – The Czech Republic will oppose the European Union’s climate target of a 90 percent emission reduction by 2040 during the upcoming Council of Ministers for the Environment meeting. Environment Minister Petr Hladík (KDU-ČSL) expressed this stance to reporters today, stating that the country considers this goal unrealistic for an industrial nation like itself. The Council will convene in Brussels on Tuesday.
Hladík emphasized the importance of setting realistic and equitable climate goals. He labeled the 90 percent reduction target as unachievable and potentially hazardous in light of the current geopolitical and economic landscape. He advocates for goals that are both attainable and fair to all nations.
Highlighting the Czech Republic’s industrial focus, Hladík noted the lack of adequate technological means to meet such ambitious targets without significantly affecting crucial sectors like chemistry and materials production. He reiterated the need for technological neutrality, advocating for the inclusion of support for nuclear energy, hydrogen production, and carbon capture and storage technologies.
The minister also asserted that the Czech Republic is proactive in climate protection, expecting to not only meet but likely exceed the Paris Agreement’s goal of a 50 percent emissions reduction by 2030.
For the proposal to pass in the council, it requires the support of at least 66 percent of the EU population and 15 member states. The Czech Republic makes up 2.4 percent of the EU population. “To block the proposal, we need to gather support from at least 35 percent of the EU population,” he said.
Hladík clarified that the objective is not to reject climate ambitions but to ensure they are realistically aligned with the technological and economic capacities of individual countries. He noted that the Czech position is consistent with those of France, Poland, and Italy, all of which have significant industrial sectors and are advancing in nuclear energy development.
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