Czech minister backs Commission’s EU carbon border tax proposal

Brabec also said he supports the new 40% target for the share of renewables in the EU’s energy mix. [EPA-EFE/STEPHANIE LECOCQ]

The carbon border adjustment mechanism proposed by the European Commission is a “good idea”, Czech Environment Minister Richard Brabec (ANO, Renew) told the Czech News Agency.

“It must not happen that Europe will take some very costly measures affecting the lives of millions of people, while this will not bring a major global effect because this will be produced elsewhere with higher emissions,” Brabec said.

“As a result, it is vital for the sake of EU competitiveness to introduce the carbon border tax,” he added. The carbon border tax is to be paid for importing carbon-intensive products.

Brabec also said he supports the new 40% target for the share of renewables in the EU’s energy mix. However, Czechia will insist on proper impact analysis of new legislative proposals.

“This has often failed to happen on the level of membership countries, although it was promised. We will certainly want this,” the environment minister assured.

On Saturday, Brabec met with European Commission Vice-President Frans Timmermans to discuss the Fit for 55 package and visit the country’s coal-mining region.

 

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