Poland voted against the deal, arguing that the target is too ambitious, but managed to secure key concessions softening parts of the EU’s climate law, according to officials.
Among the changes pushed through by Warsaw is a delay in the introduction of the EU’s carbon tax on road transport and buildings until 2028, a measure long advocated by Poland.
Deputy Climate Minister Krzysztof Bolesta said the compromise protects Polish consumers from sudden price increases.
"We've managed to defuse the risks of ETS2. Prices for Polish citizens will not rise because of this system," he told reporters.
Poland also obtained a review clause allowing the EU to reassess the target if emission cuts threaten economic competitiveness or drive up prices, and a partial exemption for the defence industry from climate obligations.
In addition, member states will be able to count up to 5 percent, and potentially 10 percent, of green investments in non-EU countries towards their emission-reduction efforts.
Despite the concessions, the overall goal of a 90-percent emissions cut was endorsed by most EU countries, including Germany, France and Spain.
The agreement paves the way for negotiations with the European Parliament on the final version of the updated EU Climate Law.
(ał/gs)
Source: IAR, PAP