Europeum

Report | Climate policies are not the culprit of high costs and social inequalities, but can be the solution. But the government must seize the opportunity

October 23, 2024

This week, the Government will discuss in the third reading an amendment to the Emissions Trading Act, which also includes so-called household allowances. Under ETS2, these will charge for emissions from road transport and local heating - so they can help invest in infrastructure, renewable energy and support socially vulnerable groups. EUROPEUM Institute research fellow Rebeka Hengalová and others write.

Factsheet | Emission allowances for households: What is ETS2 and how to use it to our advantage

October 11, 2024

The extension of the emissions trading system for local heating and road transport, the so-called ETS2, is due to come into effect in 2027. ETS2 now needs to be adopted into Czech legislation under the Emissions Trading Act. In this factsheet you will find basic facts and answers to questions that the Czech public often asks. Please also see the attached materials from the organisations that contributed to the factsheet.

Factsheet | Transport poverty: definition, primary data of Czech households and possible solutions

October 11, 2024

Already 3% of households in the Czech Republic are at risk of transport poverty, and this situation could worsen in a few years' time. Indeed, with the introduction of the ETS2, the emissions trading scheme for households, which extends emissions trading to road transport and local heating of buildings, fuel prices are expected to rise from 2027. This will have an impact on household budgets. Read the factsheet put together by Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute Rebeka Hengalová to find out exactly what transport poverty is and how it can be prevented and eradicated.

Dopravní noviny | There are preventive measures to combat transport poverty, says expert

September 01, 2024

Emissions from road transport currently account for 29 per cent of all EU emissions, according to the latest Transport&Environment study. The problem is also that, unlike other sectors, emissions from transport have not been falling; on the contrary, they have been rising since 1990 and are at least beginning to stabilise. In the Czech Republic, transport emissions have increased by 62 per cent since 1990. Rebeka Hengalová, researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Dopravní noviny.

Ekolist.cz | Transport poverty: there are a few preventive measures against it, says expert

September 02, 2024

Transport costs may become more expensive under the new emissions trading scheme, which will hit low-income households hardest. But the so-called transport poverty need not only be financial. It is also about infrastructure accessibility and physical usability. Rebeka Hengalová, researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, commented for Ekolist.cz.

iDnes.cz | Emission allowances for households

August 25, 2024

By postponing the approval of emission allowances for households, the Czech Republic is harming itself. If the permits are not approved, the Czech Republic will have to come up with other instruments to achieve climate neutrality. Kateřina Davidová, Senior Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute, commented on this issue.

WhatNews | Cities are expecting another heat wave this year. What is Prague doing to keep us from getting baked?

June 20, 2024

The average temperature in the Czech Republic has increased by 2.2 degrees Celsius since the 1960s. As a result of climate change, the country is suffering more frequent weather extremes: torrential rain, drought and heat. Heat waves are particularly severe in heat islands that form in cities. Prague wants to rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, add greenery and water features. Will it be enough? Katarina Svitková, an Associate Research Fellow at EUROPEUM Institute gives examples to WHAT news on how Barcelona is adapting to the heat.

Hospodářské noviny | Climate is giving way to security and economy. However, easing off on green transformation now would be a strategic mistake

June 26, 2024

This year's elections to the European Parliament have sparked debates about continuing the European plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, despite recent events suggesting the need to reassess this plan. The election results did not signify as much of a setback for European green ambitions as anticipated. The priority of climate and environment is no longer as high among most Europeans as it was five years ago, reflecting current political and international challenges such as security, economic prosperity, and the competitiveness of European industry. Kateřina Davidova, a researcher at EUROPEUM Institute, wrote an opinion piece on this topic for Hospodářské noviny.

Respekt | European Elections: Is the Green Deal in jeopardy?

June 12, 2024

Despite the weakening of the strongest supporters of the Green Deal in the European Parliament elections, the parties that promoted it still dominate the political scene in Brussels. Experts agree that the Green Deal for Europe will not be abolished, however, adjustments may be made to it. Commenting for Respekt magazine is Kateřina Davidová, a researcher at EUROPEUM Institute.

Seznam Zprávy | The European Union remains on the green path

June 12, 2024

The green parties has weakened, while the eurosceptic, far-right and climate-sceptic factions have strengthened. However, this is unlikely to be a significant obstacle to the implementation of the Green Deal for Europe. The parties behind it have retained the most seats. What implications will the results of the European Parliament elections have for the Union's climate and environmental policy over the next five years? Senior researcher of EUROPEUM Institute Kateřina Davidová commented for Seznam Zprávy.