The Czech government has rejected the European Commission's proposal to tighten the climate target for 2040. Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced that the Czech Republic had managed to negotiate support from key EU member states to prevent the proposal from being voted on at the upcoming Environment Council in Brussels. The European Commission's goal was to reduce CO₂ emissions by 90 %, which the Czech cabinet calls unrealistic and a threat to competitiveness.
"I consider further tightening of the 2040 climate target unnecessary. The EU already has ambitious enough targets and we need to focus on meeting them sensibly," said the Prime Minister. According to him, the proposal does not reflect the current geopolitical situation and could threaten jobs and social stability. According to Fialy, the Czech Republic is ready to negotiate solutions that will "smart, realistic and fair for Europe."
In addition to blocking the climate target, the government has introduced its own initiative on the emissions trading scheme ETS 2. The Czech so-called non-paper, supported by 19 countries representing 91 % of the EU population, proposes capping the price of allowances at €45. "The ideal would be to abolish ETS 2, we don't have the support for that yet, but we have found allies for fundamental changes," the Prime Minister added.
The Cabinet also approved financial aid to the Central Bohemian Region and Prague for the construction works related to the new motorway D3. These include, for example, part of the Benešov bypass or the second stage of the Vesecká spojka. The state will release through State Fund for Transport Infrastructure up to CZK 4.3 billion between 2027 and 2032. The construction of the D3 motorway is crucial for connecting the north and south of the Czech Republic.
The government also discussed a report on the devastating floods in September 2024whose economic impact amounted to CZK 69.9 billion. The report stresses that the planned dam New Heřminovy could have mitigated the flow of the Opava River by up to 65 %, thus significantly reducing the damage. The project, which has been delayed for years, has now moved forward and is expected to be completed in 2033.
On the proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government decided to introduce a visa requirement for holders of diplomatic and service passports Georgia. This is due to human rights violations, the violent repression of demonstrations and the general deterioration of the political situation. The measure responds to the January decision Council of the EU partially suspend the visa facilitation agreement with Georgia.
The Czech government is therefore clearly showing that it does not want to make unrealistic climate commitments, but at the same time it is seeking support for changes to ETS2 and investing in strategic transport buildings. In addition, it is focusing on protecting people from flooding and responding to international political developments.
Government/gnews.cz - GH
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