Czech Republic & Central Europe — 2026-03-18
Babiš Government Pushes EU ETS Suspension at European Council; Budget Signed
PM Babiš announced Czech support for Italy's proposal to suspend the EU Emissions Trading System and pushed for a price ceiling exempting energy-intensive sectors at the upcoming European Council summit. President Pavel signed the delayed state budget, ending a months-long interim. The government also approved a package addressing energy costs, migration policy, and construction regulation, consolidating its domestic legislative agenda.
Analysis
Prior INTSUM (0740) tracked Czech FM's conditions for resuming Russian oil talks. The ETS suspension push at European Council is part of the same pattern: the Babiš government is using the Hormuz energy crisis to advance its pre-existing anti-Green Deal agenda under the cover of emergency measures.
Prior INTSUM (0740) tracked Czech FM's conditions for resuming Russian oil talks. The ETS suspension push at European Council is part of the same pattern: the Babiš government is using the Hormuz energy crisis to advance its pre-existing anti-Green Deal agenda under the cover of emergency measures.