New ETS rules: What do the changes in EU climate policy mean for Poland?

Published 2026-10-21

The European Union has introduced significant changes to the Emissions Trading System (ETS), which is a key element of EU climate policy. The new regulations aim to accelerate the reduction of greenhouse gases across Europe. Although the negotiations were difficult, the final shape of the new regulations has already been approved by member states.

The ETS requires companies, such as power plants and factories, to purchase permits for carbon dioxide emissions. The less pollution a company emits, the less it has to pay. The new rules assume that the number of available permits on the market will decrease more rapidly, which is intended to force companies to invest in greener technologies.

Representatives of the Polish government took an active part in the discussions regarding these changes. Poland, due to the large share of coal in its energy sector, feared high costs for its citizens and industry. Ultimately, the Polish side expressed moderate satisfaction, emphasizing that it had managed to negotiate provisions protecting Polish companies from overly sudden changes.

Experts point out that the changes in the ETS will affect energy prices in the coming years. The government plans to use funds from the sale of emission permits to support the energy transition and help households cope with rising electricity costs.

The new regulations are another step by the European Union toward climate neutrality by 2050. In the near future, it will be crucial how quickly the Polish economy can adapt to the new requirements and how effectively it utilizes available EU funds for the development of renewable energy sources.

Sources: RMF24

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