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EU’s anti-climate-dumping tool worries Russia

(EurActiv, 7 Feb 2020) In a sign that Moscow has taken note of the EU’s plan to deploy a carbon border tax, a top Kremlin adviser has urged Russia’s business giants to start adapting now if they want to continue selling their wares in the single market.

The European Commission aims to tax imports that do not meet certain green criteria, as part of its drive to decarbonise the economy and protect homegrown industries.

EU officials are currently working on the so-called carbon border adjustment mechanism to make sure it is compatible with World Trade Organisation rules. Finer points related to what products would be targeted are still to be confirmed.

But it is already on the radar of Russia, the world’s fourth-largest emitter of greenhouse gases.

At a press conference on Thursday (6 February), Vladimir Putin’s climate adviser Ruslan Edelgeriev, who has represented Moscow at international summits, urged Russia’s businesses to prepare for life with the border tax.

“The EU wants to push through these regulations not because they don’t like our companies, but so that their own companies don’t overstep emissions targets,” Edelgeriev said.

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EurActiv, 7 Feb 2020: EU’s anti-climate-dumping tool worries Russia