The European Commission’s proposal to ban the production and sale of cars with internal combustion engines after the year 2035 is unacceptable to the Czech government, the new Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala stated this during an interview on Sunday.
According to him, nuclear energy must be among the supported energy sources. As Fiala stated, it is necessary to complete additional nuclear power plant units. Otherwise, Czechia will not have enough electric power at reasonable prices.
“The proposal to ban cars with internal combustion engines would endanger the livelihood of many people,” said Fiala.
According to the prime minister, the Green Deal must not impoverish citizens. It is important to use the tools that the EU offers so that it is beneficial for Czechia.
Thursday’s several-hour debate on nuclear energy and emission allowances, led by EU leaders at the Brussels summit, ended without an agreement. A group of nations, including Czechia, sought to include nuclear power on the list of green investments in the conclusions of the negotiations. However, Austria, along with Germany and Luxembourg, were against this provision.
“We need to solve in the short term the problem with many people falling into energy poverty, having problems caused by rising energy prices. We are sure that it is not possible to proceed with comprehensive measures, as proposed by the previous government, but that targeted help is needed for those who have reached energy poverty through social benefits and other measures that need to be set,” said Fiala.
