Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the European Commission, has come to the defense of the European Union’s Emissions Trading System (ETS), which has faced significant criticism from various industry leaders. Her comments came during a meeting with policymakers and business executives in Antwerp, where she was confronted with concerns over how the rising carbon prices are affecting the economy and job security, particularly by leaders from Germany and France. Despite these criticisms, von der Leyen highlighted the clear advantages that the ETS brings to the EU's climate policy, reinforcing the importance of this mechanism in the broader context of environmental responsibility.

During the discussions, industry leaders urged the Commission to reconsider the ETS, arguing that its high carbon prices could jeopardize industrial competitiveness and lead to job losses. In response, von der Leyen acknowledged the ongoing debates surrounding the ETS, yet firmly stood by the system, suggesting that its structure is essential for achieving the EU's climate goals. Her remarks underscore a commitment to maintain robust climate action, even in the face of opposition from powerful industries and member state governments.

The tensions between von der Leyen and the German and French leaders illustrate a rift within the EU regarding the climate strategy and its economic implications. As the ETS is designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the EU, the current price levels are intended to reflect the true environmental cost of carbon emissions. However, the contestation raised by member states signals a critical moment for the EU as it attempts to balance ecological responsibility with economic vitality, particularly in light of the upcoming legislative discussions on climate policies.