EU summit: divided over emissions trading?
EU leaders are convening in Brussels today for a summit against a backdrop of sharply rising oil and gas prices related to the war in Iran. Options for capping energy prices, subsidies and the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) for limiting greenhouse gas emissions are on the agenda.
Not everyone affected equally
La Stampa fears a new divide in Europe:
“The 27 EU heads of state and government meeting today at the European Council in Brussels will focus less on geopolitical positioning in the ongoing Middle East conflict and more on its consequences. The surge in oil prices, but in particular that in electricity prices. ... The real problem is the clearly asymmetrical impact. Not all countries are bearing the same burden of the crisis. Those countries that are most dependent on gas supplies are being hit hardest and calling for urgent measures, while those with an energy mix based mainly on renewables or nuclear power are feeling the effects much less and minimising them. This situation is exacerbating the divide within the EU.”
Criticism of ETS not only from the right
Gazeta Wyborcza observes a shift in the debate:
“Until recently, critics of the ETS were seen as representatives of right-wing and far-right groups –some might have thought that the dividing line between supporters and opponents ran along party lines. But more and more political camps are joining in the criticism of the ETS, including that of Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Poland. Industry doesn't like the system (that much is clear), and the financial sector is also against it. ... Brussels must reconcile the interests of various countries and is by no means enthusiastic about changes to the ETS – every side will likely have to make concessions to reach a compromise.”