Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus has joined nine other European Union countries in calling on the European Commission to reconsider a planned carbon price on heating and transport fuels, a position that could divide the bloc.
The group also called for changes to the EU’s existing emissions trading system ahead of a Commission proposal expected on Friday.
Joint statement
Cyprus, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy, Poland, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Romania and Slovakia signed a joint statement submitted to the Commission on Tuesday.
The countries said the Commission should reconsider the carbon dioxide price planned for heating and transport fuels from 2028 under ETS2, the new emissions trading system.
“European citizens should not be facing new climate taxes in current economic and geopolitical circumstances. ETS2 should be therefore addressed directly in the revision and carefully reconsidered,” the statement said, according to Reuters.
Planned revision
The Commission is expected to propose a revision of the existing trading system on Friday. The system requires power plants, factories, airlines and shipping companies to pay for carbon dioxide emissions.
The proposal forms part of the ‘One Europe – One Market roadmap’, which states that an agreement should be reached by the first quarter of 2027.
Member state influence
The EU has already delayed the new carbon price by one year in an effort to avoid public reaction.
Supporters of the measure say it is important for the transition to cleaner vehicles and home heating systems, adding that revenue from the tax would be reinvested to help people manage the change.
During negotiations, member states can propose amendments. The ten countries backing the statement have sufficient votes to secure their preferred outcome.