France, Italy, Slovakia Seek Revisions to EU Carbon Levy

France reported a 1.8% decrease in greenhouse gas emissions for 2024, a significant slowdown compared to the previous year's 5.8% reduction, as per data from Citepa. The country needs to cut emissions by 15 MtCO2e annually to meet its 2030 targets, but only achieved a reduction of 6.7 MtCO2e this year, primarily due to advancements in the energy sector. Meanwhile, France, along with Italy and Slovakia, is pushing for amendments to the EU's carbon border levy to simplify compliance for businesses, arguing that current regulations impose excessive administrative burdens. Additionally, France is advocating for a price corridor in the EU's carbon market to stabilize volatile CO2 prices, which it claims would help provide long-term pricing signals to industry. These adjustments are part of a broader effort to balance stringent climate goals with the economic realities faced by industries under EU regulations. The discussions around these policies are ongoing as the EU continues to negotiate its climate strategy.