Prague – Meloni and Babis call for changes to EU rules on energy costs

– Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis met today in Prague, where they discussed strengthening cooperation between the two countries and important issues of European Union policy, according to Reuters.

At the centre of the meeting was the rise in energy costs and the proposals that Italy and Czechia intend to present at the next EU summit on October 15 and 16.

Both countries are seeking changes to the European rules linked to the price of carbon, with the aim of limiting their impact on energy costs and on businesses.

One of the proposals is to postpone the implementation of a new European carbon-pricing system for transport and heating fuels, known as ETS2, which is scheduled to start in 2028.

Rome and Prague are also seeking a review of some rules on methane emissions and of how the European market for CO₂ emission allowances works.

The Italy–Czechia Action Plan 2026–2030, which aims to define the fields of cooperation between the two countries, was also discussed during the meeting.

The plan includes the economy, defence and security, infrastructure, scientific research and innovation, migration and competitiveness.

The two governments also plan to launch an Italy–Czechia Year of Culture 2027–2028, with activities to promote cultural ties between the two countries.

Meloni and Babis are expected to present their joint proposals on energy and the carbon market at the EU leaders’ discussions in October.