Brussels (TASR) – Slovakia views the concessions related to ETS 2 emission allowances as inadequate. Environment Minister Tomáš Taraba (SNS nominee) made this statement in Brussels on Tuesday following the EU Environment Council negotiations, according to TASR’s correspondent.
The EU emissions trading system, set to expand to cover building heating and road transport (ETS 2) in 2027, was the central topic of discussions at the Council of Ministers, noted Tomáš Taraba. He pointed out that while the European Commission (EC) suggested a delay in the implementation of ETS 2, Slovakia remains unconvinced that these concessions are enough.
“We do not believe that the promised release of more emission allowances onto the market will lead to any stabilization of prices going forward. Our position, shared by Hungary, the Czech Republic, and other countries, is that we have expressed our intention to withdraw from ETS 2,” he stated. Additionally, he mentioned that other nations, including Poland, question whether the EC’s proposed mechanism will adequately ensure price stabilization. He emphasized that the environmental benefits of ETS 2 are “negligible.”
We regard ETS 2 as a highly antisocial measure that only exacerbates living costs and housing expenses.
Taraba noted that with the establishment of the new Czech government, the Czech Republic and Slovakia form a “strong tandem” within the EU Council, particularly as both countries share similar industrial vulnerabilities. He mentioned that prior to the Council of Ministers meeting, the Czech and Slovak delegations held a bilateral discussion.
In this context, Taraba identified himself as one of the “extreme skeptics” regarding the Green Deal, suggesting the new Czech government echoes similar sentiments. “Currently, we are aligned closely because the Green Deal threatens the European industrial base, which is a critical concern for us in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, as we are among the most industrialized nations per capita,” he explained.
On Tuesday, Taraba also held discussions with the European Commission about revitalizing aluminum production in central Slovakia, home to Europe’s cleanest aluminum plant which previously accounted for nearly one-fifth of European aluminum but closed due to soaring energy costs. “Today, we are considering the revival of the arms industry in Europe. How will we achieve this if we have driven out all industry? Factories are raising alarms, and I see no issue with Slovakia and the Czech Republic engaging in extensive communication on this matter,” he concluded. (16 December)
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