Six Czech industry associations have called on Prime Minister Petr Fiala to defend energy-intensive sectors in EU climate talks, warning that Green Deal targets could cripple key sectors.

In a joint letter on Tuesday, the groups argued that soaring energy prices, which they linked to EU climate policy, have already stalled major decarbonisation projects, including those at Třinecké železárny, Lovochemie, and Orlen Unipetrol.

“It simply doesn’t add up economically,” the letter states, warning that most cost pressures will drive companies out of the market.

To avoid what they describe as a wave of industrial decline, the associations demanded urgent national measures, including a zero tax rate on gas, lower network charges for electricity and gas, as well as temporary state aid for industrial users if prices remain high beyond 2025.

The group also wants the government to defend free allowances under the EU Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), despite the launch of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and to expand compensation for indirect emissions costs to cover strategic chemicals In calling for the release of a long-delayed expert report on national energy strategy, which remains withheld by the finance ministry, the associations also criticised the government for its lack of transparency.

“We want to know what the energy situation is, how it will be solved, and how much it will cost,” wrote the signatories, who represent Czech steelmakers, chemical producers, forging companies, foundries, engineering firms and paper mills.

(cs, de)