Polish Utilities Blame EU Emissions Trading System for High Energy Prices
Polish state-owned utilities have launched an advertising campaign that places blame on Brussels and the EU emissions trading system for the country's high energy prices. The campaign's message asserts that the European Union's climate tax accounts for up to 60% of energy production costs, equating EU climate policies with expensive energy and high prices.
In response, the Polish parliament has called for the EU to suspend and reform the emissions trading system. However, these claims have been challenged by several analysts and politicians, including Frans Timmermans, the European Commission vice-president and climate lead.
Frans Timmermans addressed the issue in an article published on the Polish website Onet, clarifying that EU policy is not responsible for 60% of energy bills. He highlighted that some individuals use such figures to distort the discussion and misrepresent the true impact of EU policies.
The advertising campaign and the subsequent rebuttals reflect the ongoing debate surrounding energy prices and the role of climate policies in Poland. The Polish government's stance aligns with its concerns about the economic implications of the emissions trading system, while critics argue for a more nuanced understanding of the factors influencing energy costs.
