In an interview with Table.Briefings, State Secretary Jochen Flasbarth reaffirmed the German government’s determination to implement the new emissions trading system ETS2 as planned starting in 2027 – despite resistance from Eastern European countries. He acknowledged that the debate is highly emotional in those regions as well. For a socially just implementation, he stressed the need for broad European majorities and targeted support through the Social Climate Fund. According to Flasbarth, the CO2 price is the most effective tool; alternatives like strict bans and regulations are less practical and politically difficult to enforce.