The ECR Group has expressed its concern over EU plans to impose a carbon levy on energy-intensive inputs from third countries such as cement, iron and steel, aluminium and fertilisers after the conclusion of the trilogue negotiations on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), despite multiple crises.

“With the zeal shown in Brussels to save the world with green policies, we are in danger of forgetting ourselves and the foundations of our prosperity. CBAM is nothing more than an additional levy, the cost for which will ultimately have to be borne by EU customers. In uncertain times like these, with skyrocketing inflation, such a levy is unjustified,” says ECR shadow rapporteur Hermann Tertsch. The Conservative politician also criticises the additional administrative burden that will fall on businesses. “Operators need legal certainty and predictability in times of economic crisis - not reforms. The agreed-up mechanism creates additional complexity for market operators.”

“There is already a mechanism in place to protect EU industry from unfair competition, namely free allocation under the EU ETS. Free allocation under the EU ETS will be phased out in the sectors where CBAM is introduced,” Tertsch said.