“Too weak and too cowardly,” Sweden said when the European Commission presented its proposals for updated emissions trading rules this summer.
Sweden is repeating that criticism as EU ministers hold their first discussion of the proposal.
“The way forward is not to slow down the energy transition,” Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari (L) said during Monday's debate in Luxembourg.
At the same time, several countries want to ease climate requirements to support traditional industry.
"Our industry has given the world quality, innovation and European craftsmanship. We have a responsibility to protect that heritage," Italy's Deputy Minister for the Environment and Energy, Vannia Gava, said.