Most EU leaders, during the recent summit in Brussels, supported maintaining the ETS system. Opposition Members of the European Parliament have been commenting on the meeting’s conclusions on platform X since the morning, calling out Donald Tusk. They recall his earlier words that “no one in Europe would outplay him”. “Poland’s strength in Europe is built with an open hand, not a clenched fist? Really? So far, Poland has been slapped with an open hand by Europe. Brussels has once again simply slapped Tusk in the face…” said former Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki.
In recent weeks, discussion across Europe has intensified regarding the CO2 emissions trading system – EU ETS – whose impact is reflected in energy prices. Some countries have already announced changes to the system at the national level. Remarks about modernizing the system were recently made by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.
Concrete decisions at the EU level were expected from the European Council summit in Brussels, which concluded overnight.
In the summit conclusions, the ETS provision appeared in a short section titled “Affordable Energy Prices and the Energy Union 2030”.
The European Council argues that the energy transition path adopted by EU officials is “the only correct one”.
“Recent sharp increases in the prices of imported fossil fuels show that the energy transition remains the most effective strategy to achieve Europe’s strategic autonomy, strengthen resilience, structurally reduce energy prices, and ensure large amounts of clean domestic energy needed to power the economy of the future. Accelerating the deployment and integration of renewable and low-emission energy sources and energy storage is essential to reduce dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets and to increase security of supply”, the conclusions read.
Approval for ETS
As for ETS itself, the European Council called on the European Commission to present, by July 2026, a review of the system “with a view to limiting the volatility of emission allowance prices and mitigating its impact on electricity prices”. At the same time, the “fundamental role of ETS in the climate and energy transition” is to be maintained.
According to Politico, most EU leaders at the summit voted in favor of maintaining the EU ETS system. Friedrich Merz, quoted by the outlet, stated that the system is “a great success” and “we do not question its existence”. He added that the changes planned for the system “will not be fundamental”.
Ursula von der Leyen proposed increasing reserves in the CO2 emissions market and creating a €30 billion “decarbonization fund”. The proposal is expected to be presented in the coming days.
“No One Will Outplay Him in Brussels”
Following the EU summit, comments from opposition MEPs appeared online. However, Donald Tusk himself – who represented Poland in Brussels – has not yet spoken.
Anna Zalewska, an MEP from Law and Justice (PiS), cited Germany’s position on ETS. “Do you think Donald ‘no one will outplay me in Brussels’ Tusk will also call this a success?” she commented.
Jacek Ozdoba, also an MEP from Law and Justice (PiS), wrote: “He wasn’t supposed to be outplayed in the EU? Well, he was – once again! A review is something you do to your car… One general mention about the need to lower energy prices and the risk of industry relocating outside the EU. On ETS, just one thing: a call to revise the directive by July 2026 to limit price volatility. Which means nothing. Why did he even go there? The rest? The usual: ‘the energy transition is important’, ‘accelerating renewables’. Lots of words, zero real solutions.”
“Relax, everything is under control – Donald Tusk has once again ‘secured’ for Poland exactly as much as he is capable of… which is nothing. ETS is doing just fine and will continue to systematically drain Poles’ wallets, but the most important thing is that the atmosphere of the talks was good. So next time you see your electricity bill and wonder where these prices come from – remember that it’s the result of Tusk’s diplomacy. We say: down with ETS, down with high bills at Polish tables! And this is the program we will implement after the elections for the good of the Polish people”, wrote Law and Justice (PiS)’s candidate for prime minister, Przemysław Czarnek.
“At yesterday’s European Council, de facto nothing was decided. The conclusions are full of generalities and promises of proposals by June – in line with the European Commission’s previously announced work plan. There is nothing about excluding financial institutions from the system, no information about a ‘price cap’ or even a price corridor. Most importantly – there is not a single word about reforming or suspending the ETS system! Nor is there any mention of the next stage of green madness – ETS 2, which the current prime minister and his MEPs supported. Vague promises regarding reserves and extending free allowances are not enough”, listed Mateusz Morawiecki, former head of government.
“Poland’s strength in Europe is built with an open hand, not a clenched fist? Really? So far, Poland has been slapped with an open hand by Europe. Brussels has once again simply slapped Tusk in the face…” he added.