The head of the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Anna Moskwa stressed that the CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism – a mechanism adjusting the prices of coal on the borders taking into account CO2 emissions) is a tool at which we should look from the perspective of the whole reform of the EU ETS system and the Fit for 55 package. She explained that this mechanism is intended to reduce import of greenhouse gases in products manufactured outside the EU.

We support solutions regarding the CBAM, which assume that it is to reduce the risk of carbon leakage by mobilising non-EU countries to make their production processes green.

– she said.

However, Minister Moskwa pointed out that, on the other hand, the solution proposed by the European Commission, aimed at phasing out free emission allowances, may undermine the competitiveness of the European industry, as well as have a negative impact on the economies of the Member States.

The elimination of free allocations, and thus the need for companies in the EU to purchase more emission allowances will result in a direct increase in production costs and thus undermine the export potential due to reducing the price competitiveness of European products.

– she noted.

As she pointed out, higher production costs resulting from the withdrawal of free allocations would be transferred into prices of products, i.e. would mean higher costs for society and the economy.

The CBAM can be a great opportunity to discuss the system of allowances and the position of our companies in the whole system and in the Fit for 55 package.

– added the Minister of Climate and Environment, Anna Moskwa.