Tusk told reporters after Thursday’s European Council in Brussels that, with Poland’s push, the conclusions include a commitment to review ETS2, the planned extension of the EU emissions trading scheme from industry to road transport and buildings.
He said almost all EU leaders agreed climate policy should be more flexible and better protect Europe’s competitiveness.
“The review means the possibility of blocking ETS2 from taking effect in 2027,” he said, adding member states now have time to reassess “these ideas and projects.”
Extending carbon pricing to buildings and transport would mean not only factories but households and drivers paying for emissions, he said. While he called the measure defensible for climate protection, he argued it would be “very unpleasant” for Polish users.
Tusk said the review opens the way to a broader, critical debate on the European Green Deal. He added he would seek options with other leaders to revisit the European Commission’s proposed 2040 climate target of a 90% emissions cut from 1990 levels, noting talks with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni and France’s Emmanuel Macron.
Leaders also discussed channeling proceeds from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. About €200 billion is held in the EU, including €185 billion managed by Belgium-based clearinghouse Euroclear, he said, adding Belgian authorities fear Russian lawsuits if the funds are used.
“We are trying to convince our Belgian friends that we are ready to build a mechanism of joint, pan-European responsibility,” Tusk said. It is “too early” to say Belgium and Luxembourg are fully persuaded, he added, but there has been “clear progress.”
The summit did not reach agreement on deploying the assets toward a loan for Ukraine, as outlined by the Commission. EU leaders tasked the Commission with preparing a proposal for discussion at the next summit in December.
(jh)
Source: PAP