
The number one industrialist criticizes the impact of the emissions trading system on European competitiveness compared to China
AI-generated summary
The ETS (Emission Trading System) is the European system for trading greenhouse gas emission quotas. Confindustria claims that this system penalizes European industry compared to Chinese industry.
«When we talk about ETS, we talk about China's competitiveness and unfair competition: China opened 135 coal plants in 2025-2026. China's sources are 55% coal-fired. We in Europe have lowered emissions by 0.1% and China has reduced emissions by 32%. Let me understand, for the 0.1%, do we really want to destroy European industry? So what we are asking for is an important reflection, which is why we are asking for the suspension of the ETS", due to the impact it has on many productive sectors and on private individuals in general. These are the words of the president of Confindustria, Emanuele Orsini, on the sidelines of the 41st Capri Conference of Young Entrepreneurs.
"I believe that something must be done, but above all we must suspend it", reiterated Orsini, speaking of Ets. «And we can no longer continue this diatribe of the Northern countries and the countries that consume energy. Today we really need Europe to be Europe, a united Europe must have a reaction to what is happening around the world."
«Let's say that we are happy that the Government has stood by us in this battle. We know how much President Meloni, we were present in Brussels, fought to bring relief to Italian companies. It is obvious that Europe is short-sighted at the moment. The President of the Republic also said it, no state can do it alone. So when they say no state can do it alone, I believe that more things need to be done on the ETS."
«It is logical that I believe that at this moment we know that it is right to contain the accounts, it is important, given that we are in the election campaign, that we do things that are needed for the future and that we think about an industrial plan for the country. So it's good to continue with hyper-depreciation and investments." So again the number one industrialist, Emanuele Orsini.
«Given that there is a productivity problem, ensure that there are aggregations and try to create more productive centers with fiscal aid», continued Orsini, speaking of the entrepreneurs' proposals for the next budget. «We also asked, given that we know that the Pnrr has given 0.5% to GDP this year, to continue, trying to make a new plan that can attract investments from pension funds and private capital that are in current accounts that are not used today. I believe that these measures must be put to the ground, in addition to tax relief, as well as how to ensure that our companies can be more competitive."
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Formal request for ETS review at European level
Likely · Within months

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