The European Commission (EC) has rejected Romania’s request for an exemption from the CO2 tax for electricity exports based on gas and coal to the Republic of Moldova, citing the risk of creating a precedent at the European level, reports BANI.MD.
“We discussed with the European Commissioner for Environment, and the Directorate-General for Climate Action is not in favor of this solution. Poland also submitted a similar request. However, granting such an exemption could set a precedent across Europe, making it easier for others to request waivers for these certificates,” said Sebastian Burduja, Romania’s Minister of Energy.
However, the Romanian official mentioned that alternatives are available to support the Republic of Moldova.
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“We have asked to explore alternatives, and I understand from Prime Minister Dorin Recean, colleagues from Romania’s Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels, and discussions with the Energy and Environment Commissioners that there is the possibility of direct financial support from the Directorate-General for Energy or other international actors,” he explained.
Sebastian Burduja also noted that Northern European countries have expressed their willingness to assist Moldova without creating a precedent that could impact the EU’s policy on CO2 emission taxes.
According to the cited source, this decision comes in the context of Moldova being heavily affected by the energy crisis and relying on external support to secure its electricity needs, especially during the winter.
CO2 emission taxes are a key instrument of the European Union in combating climate change. Any exemption from this rule could pave the way for similar requests from member states or external partners.