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Merz Says Climate Policy Must Not 'Endanger' German Industry
Merz said reforming the EU carbon market is needed to keep companies competitive as leaders warn the system raises energy costs.
- On Wednesday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged an overhaul of the European Union's carbon trading scheme at the Petersburg Climate Dialogue in Berlin, contending "real progress depends on a strong partnership with industry."
- Established in 2005, the ETS caps greenhouse-gas emissions by requiring heavy polluters to buy permits; Merz argued updates need "a clear focus on maintaining competitiveness" to ensure the scheme remains effective.
- Critics, including many industrial leaders, argue the system drives up energy costs for European companies competing globally, while Poland and the Czech Republic have long led opposition to the current framework.
- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for the system's suspension in early March, citing energy price shocks from the US-Israeli war on Iran amid broader demands to reduce industrial costs.
- Merz maintains Germany will reach carbon neutrality by 2045, though his government faces criticism from environmental groups for dialing back green policies as nations prepare for COP31 in Turkey this November.
19 Articles
19 Articles
Tensions are growing in Europe over how to address both the deepening energy crisis and global warming, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has warned that climate action must not endanger the industrial base.
Wars are raging, energy is expensive - the topic of climate change is getting into the background. This is also why Chancellor Merz's speech at the Petersberg Climate Dialogue was eagerly awaited. How did he argue? By Gabor Halasz.
At the Petersberg Climate Dialogue, Friedrich Merz gives one of his rare speeches on global warming. The energy crisis has also left its mark on him: he now sees opportunities for the location in terms of climate protection.
At the Petersberg Climate Dialogue, the Chancellor recommends Germany as a reliable partner. At the same time, he also emphasizes the risks in the fight against global warming. He also has an eye on the electorate.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz is committed to the expansion of renewable energies. However, climate protection must »not endanger the industrial base of our countries«, he said.
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