Politics · Italy · 7 hrs ago
Meloni calls for changes to EU carbon rules amid chemical industry crisis
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for changes to the EU emissions trading system at a meeting of the chemical industry in Italy.
The system, known as ETS, puts a cost on greenhouse gas emissions, and Meloni said climate goals should be balanced with industry competitiveness.
She argued that European companies need realistic timelines, affordable energy and protection from competitors facing lower environmental costs.
Italy's chemical production has fallen by more than 13% since 2021, and a further 3% decline is expected this year.
Industry leaders also called for accessible research incentives and a stronger, permanent tax credit for companies.
The government said it would delay Italy's Plastic Tax and Sugar Tax by six months, while Deputy Prime Minister Antonio Tajani said he would prefer a one-year delay.
The government says it will continue pressing for changes to EU climate policies, including the ETS.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for changes to EU climate policies, including the Emissions Trading System, to balance decarbonisation with industrial competitiveness.
She said businesses need realistic timelines, technology neutrality, affordable energy and protection from competitors that do not face the same environmental costs.
Meloni spoke at an assembly of Federchimica, as Italy’s chemical industry faces high energy costs, weak demand and international competition.
Italian chemical production has fallen by more than 13% since 2021, and a further 3% decline is expected this year.
Industry leaders also called for more accessible research incentives and a stronger, permanent tax credit.
- Who
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and representatives of Italy’s chemical and industrial sectors.
- What
- Meloni called for changes to EU climate rules, including the Emissions Trading System, to protect industrial competitiveness.
- When
- 26 October 2026, according to the article’s publication date.
- Where
- At a Federchimica assembly in Italy; the specific location is not stated.
- Why
- The chemical industry is facing high energy costs, weak demand and international competition, while production has fallen.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Italian chemical production began a decline that has since exceeded 13%.
Meloni addressed the Federchimica assembly and called for changes to EU climate policies.
Italian chemical production is expected to fall by a further 3%.
- Production since 2021
- Italian chemical output down more than 13%
- Forecast for this year
- A further 3% decline in Italian chemical production
- Policy under review
- EU Emissions Trading System (ETS)
- Research incentives
- Federchimica called for access for small and medium-sized businesses
- Tax measures
- Plastic Tax and Sugar Tax postponement announced for six months
What people are saying
The Government is fighting and will continue to fight for a revision of European climate policies, starting with the ETS, that brings decarbonisation and competitiveness together.
Europe cannot respond to these challenges by adding costs and constraints to those who continue to invest and produce here.
The tax credit must be strengthened and made permanent, aligned with European standards, and procedures and reporting burdens simplified.
We will postpone the Plastic Tax and the Sugar Tax for another six months.