ECR opposes further tightening of the carbon market at industry’s expense; ETS review must protect European competitiveness and bring down energy costs; Member States should be in the driving seat of electricity network development; Industrial competitiveness: ECR MEP Donazzan to address European industry convoy; Russia as a false defender of traditional values; The Carpathians – Mountains That Connect; Preparing for the State of the Union address

ECR opposes further tightening of the carbon market at industry’s expense

On Thursday, the Environment Committee will vote on changes to the EU Emissions Trading System’s Market Stability Reserve. The ECR Group supports the Commission’s proposal to end the automatic invalidation of allowances held in the reserve. Free allowances cover nearly 100 per cent of emissions on average across sectors in the EU. Companies in the cement and chemical industries, but also in steel, aluminium and other sectors, need to receive free emissions allowances specifically to minimise the negative effects of the EU’s ambitious decarbonisation policies. However, a compromise backed by the EPP, S&D, Renew, the Greens and the Left would still remove around 650 million allowances from the market from 1 March 2027. The ECR believes that we must avoid speculation, volatility and price spikes in allowances, as well as further costs for European industry, particularly energy-intensive sectors already struggling with high energy prices and international competition. The Group therefore wants a more industry-friendly approach that improves predictability, eliminates risks of scarcity and protects Europe’s industrial base now and in the future.

When: Thursday @ 09:00

Where: ANTALL 4Q2

ETS review must protect European competitiveness and bring down energy costs

On Thursday, the Environment Committee will hold an exchange of views with Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra on the forthcoming review of the EU Emissions Trading System. The ECR Group believes that the revision must address excessive carbon price volatility and help reduce the impact of the ETS on electricity prices. Any further tightening of the system in view of the EU’s 2040 climate target must be carefully assessed against its impact on European competitiveness, industrial investment and prosperity. Climate policy must remain technology-neutral and reflect Europe’s industrial and economic realities.

When: Thursday @ 10:00–11:30

Where: ANTALL 4Q2

Member States should be in the driving seat of electricity network development

On Thursday, the Industry, Research and Energy Committee will vote on the review of the rules governing trans-European energy networks. The ECR Group supports investment in modern and reliable electricity grids, greater cross-border capacity and faster permitting where these can help lower energy costs and strengthen security of supply. However, the ECR Group believes that national transmission system operators, with their first-hand knowledge of national grids and energy systems, should remain primarily responsible for planning future network development. Objectives for electrification and industrial decarbonisation must be firmly anchored in existing grid capacities and realistic timelines for their expansion - setting targets ahead of the necessary grid infrastructure ultimately undermines both industrial competitiveness and security of supply.

When: Thursday @ 09:00

Where: ANTALL 4Q2

Industrial competitiveness: ECR MEP Donazzan to address European industry convoy

On Monday morning, ECR MEP and Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), Elena Donazzan, will address participants in the “European Convoy for Industrial Competitiveness” outside the European Commission’s Berlaymont headquarters. The initiative brings together companies and industry organisations from across Europe to highlight the growing pressure on European manufacturing, investment, supply chains and industrial employment. The ECR Group has consistently called for an industrial policy that allows companies to remain, invest, innovate and produce in Europe. This requires lower energy costs, a reduced regulatory burden, faster investment and a technology-neutral approach that strengthens Europe’s competitiveness without undermining its industrial base.

When: 11:00 – Speech by Elena Donazzan at the “European Convoy for Industrial Competitiveness”, outside the European Commission’s Berlaymont headquarters

14:30 – Meeting with participating employers, Spinelli 1H1

Approx. 15:30 – Press point outside Spinelli 1H1

Russia as a false defender of traditional values

On Wednesday, ECR MEPs Mariusz Kamiński and Rihards Kols will host a conference examining Russia’s claim to be a global defender of “traditional values”. The discussion will challenge this narrative as a deliberate instrument of Kremlin influence, exploring how Moscow has replaced Soviet-era communist ideology with rhetoric centred on patriotism, religion, and traditional values in an effort to weaken the West, exploit its internal divisions, and expand Russian influence. Speakers will also examine the stark contradiction between Russia’s self-proclaimed defence of Christian and conservative values and its repression at home, instrumentalisation of religion, and aggressive and opportunistic foreign policy abroad.

When: Wednesday @ 13:00

Where: Spinelli 1H1

The Carpathians – Mountains That Connect

The ECR Group’s Polish Delegation is co-organising the 42nd Carpathian Europe Forum, taking place in Karpacz from 8–10 September. Bringing together policymakers, local leaders, experts and civil society, the Forum will focus on Central Europe’s security, infrastructure and development, while addressing the region’s role in shaping the future of the EU and responding to a changing geopolitical environment.

When: 8–10 September

Where: Karpacz, Poland

Preparing for the State of the Union address

Ahead of the State of the European Union address on 16 September in Strasbourg, the President of the European Parliament and leaders of the political groups will meet Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday to discuss the EU’s priorities for the year ahead.

When: Wednesday afternoon