Polish President Karol Nawrocki sent a letter to Prime Minister Donald Tusk calling for an end to the EU’s Emissions Trading System (ETS) ahead of the European Council meeting.
Presidential Letter to Prime Minister Tusk
Zbigniew Bogucki, speaking on RadioZET, discussed the ETS system and revealed that Karol Nawrocki sent a letter to Prime Minister Donald Tusk regarding the matter. Karol Rabenda, Undersecretary of State in the Chancellery of the President, published the President’s position on X.
The core message is a clear direction: a departure from the ETS.
“Europe is Losing Industry”
“President of the Republic of Poland Karol Nawrocki sent his position to Prime Minister Donald Tusk regarding the ETS before Thursday’s meeting of the European Council. Twenty years of the ETS system have yielded clear results: Europe is losing industry, jobs, and competitiveness. Production is fleeing outside the EU, and global emissions… are rising,” the President wrote.
“Destroying Polish Industry”
“The President clearly indicates a direction before the European Council: abandoning the ETS. Poland cannot agree to a policy that destroys our industry and raises citizens’ bills,” Rabenda emphasized.
Nawrocki stated his proposed actions would lower energy costs, increase the competitiveness of Polish industry, and save money for Polish citizens, advocating for this position at the European Council.
“Green Madness” and “Brussels Swindle”
The ETS is described as part of a “green madness” consuming the European Union, leading to its economic decline. Critics argue that liberal-left elites are hindering the EU and are its greatest enemy.
Przemysław Czarnek, PiS’s prime ministerial candidate, announced plans to submit a parliamentary resolution for Poland’s withdrawal from the ETS, calling it a “Brussels swindle” and an unfair burden on the country.
Political Reactions and Concerns
Szłapka questioned who authored the President’s letter, referencing former Minister for European Affairs Konrad Szymański’s critical article on the current government’s European policy. He characterized PiS members as “unassertive” and “weak” in European affairs.
Szłapka also noted the ETS originated in previous administrations and questioned the timing of PiS’s opposition. He indicated the government is prioritizing key issues before considering changes to the ETS.
Upcoming European Council Meeting and ETS2
The upcoming EU summit will address the ETS, a system of trading CO2 emission allowances designed to limit greenhouse gas emissions. ETS2, expanding the system to include transport and construction, is scheduled to take effect in 2028.
The government maintains that ETS2 should be delayed, but this would reduce funding for energy transformation. PiS opposes this solution.