Palkovics said the expansion of the EU ETS to areas in which member states now have the power to decide on CO2 reductions was one of the topics discussed at the summit.

He noted that such a measure could cost an average Hungarian household up to HUF 300,000 a year and said he had spoken with European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson on the sidelines of the meeting to discuss ways to avoid increasing the burden for ordinary citizens while also achieving emissions reduction targets. Hungary has committed to cutting its greenhouse gas emissions 55% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.