ECR Co-Chairman Patryk Jaki has sharply criticised the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), warning that Europe’s climate policies are driving energy prices to unsustainable levels while undermining European industry and competitiveness.

After already criticising the EU’s regulatory and energy policies during Wednesday morning’s debate, Jaki returned to the issue during a topical debate requested by the ECR Group in Strasbourg, where he intensified his criticism of the ETS system and the wider direction of EU climate policy.

“The Commissioner began his speech by saying that we must fight for the planet. Well, Commissioner, I want to inform you that carbon dioxide doesn’t stop at the Schengen area; it doesn’t ask for asylum,” Jaki said.

“What matters is whether we’re reducing carbon dioxide globally. Since when have you been implementing this policy of yours? Carbon Dioxide is increasing every year, so I ask, what’s the point of all this?”

Jaki dismissed claims that the ETS had been a success, arguing that the system had contributed to soaring energy prices and industrial decline across Europe.

“You claim that the ETS has worked. But we have almost the most expensive energy in the world, plus an industrial and economic disaster”, said Jaki.

“The ETS was supposed to save the planet, but so far it’s only saved wind farm manufacturers, consultants, and the Chinese industry. Congratulations, the ETS must go before you completely turn Europe into an open-air museum.”

Jaki warned that ordinary Europeans were paying the price for policies designed in Brussels, saying:

“Since you introduced the ETS, energy prices for the average family in Europe have doubled.

“What have you gained for industry? For the industry, energy prices increased by 100 per cent. What do you get from that? I’m asking, after all, this is a scandal,” Jaki said.

He accused the European Commission of refusing to recognise the economic consequences of its own policies, saying:

“You still come out and claim that this system must be defended. I don’t know if anything can happen to teach you that what you’re doing is destroying Europe and must be stopped because you’re a threat to yourselves and to Europe.”