Zajączkowska-Hernik: Eurokołchoz intends to extend emissions trade and impose ETS3 on farmers

Eurokołchoz, the alleged European Union, has for years been an arena of heated discussions on regulations affecting the regular lives of citizens. The latest initiatives, specified as the Building Directive, the extension of the Emissions Trading strategy (ETS) and the European Shield for Democracy plan, rise many controversy and questions about the limits of freedom in the EU. It is worth looking at these changes and their possible effects.

Building Directive: End of conventional boilers?

One of the most discussed topics is the Building Directive, which focuses on eliminating gas and coal boilers. In return, it proposes the improvement of biomass technologies specified as pellets furnaces. As Euro MP Ewa Zajączkowska-Hernik points out, the biggest beneficiary of these changes is Germany, which is the leader in pellets production in the EU, generating over 3.6 million tonnes of this fuel annually. Poland, with its seventh place in production, however, may endure from the introduction of restrictive quality standards which will reduce the competitiveness of home producers.

From 2027, the rules known as ETS2 will come into force, which will introduce additional costs for solid fuel users as well as for drivers. This means an increase in gas, coal, petrol, diesel and LPG prices, which will affect home budgets and prices of goods and services.

ETS3 taxation on agriculture: a fresh version of emissions regulation

One of the most controversial ideas of the European Commission is to extend the emissions trading strategy to agriculture. The ETS3 is intended to cover farms producing meat and milk, with the anticipation of further extension to another agricultural sectors. The project, which is presently in the analysis and consultation phase, could lead to a crucial increase in food production costs, which will consequently affect consumers.

According to the Euro MP Zajądzkowska-Hernik, specified moves are a ‘anti-agricultural madness’ and lead to the destabilisation of the agricultural sector. Increases in food prices combined with another burdens can increase public discontent, especially in countries where agriculture plays a key function in the economy.

The European Shield of Democracy: censorship or protection?

One of the most controversial steps of the European Parliament is the adoption of a resolution on the establishment of the European Shield of Democracy. Its aim is to destruct content considered propaganda or disinformation in social media. This is to be done through cooperation with digital platforms and the establishment of a peculiar agency to oversee democracy in the EU.

Critics, including Zajączkowska-Hernik, claim that this is nothing but the introduction of net censorship. In their opinion, specified actions restrict freedom of expression and can be utilized to destruct uncomfortable political opinions.

Who gains and who loses?

The proposed regulations strengthen the position of economies specified as German, but weaker associate States may suffer. The introduction of standards affecting pellets, agriculture and solid fuel emissions generates costs that will be more burdensome for smaller operators.

In turn, projects specified as the European Shield of Democracy rise fundamental questions about the future of democracy and freedom of speech in the European Union. Is protection against misinformation justified by restrictions on freedom of expression?

Summary

The European Union is faced with a hard task of reconciling the interests of individual associate States and the pursuit of climate protection and democracy. However, controversial decisions specified as the Building Directive, ETS2, ETS3 or the European Shield of Democracy rise questions about the impact on average citizens.

Are we moving towards a more bureaucratic community, or will we find a compromise that will satisfy all parties? This question remains open and the answer depends on the direction in which the European Union decides to follow in the coming years.