EU leaders’ summit descends into 3-hour argument over taxing car emissions

BRUSSELS — It was meant to be a debate on how to curb Europe’s soaring energy prices. But the first session of talks at an EU leaders' summit in Brussels Thursday quickly descended into a three-hour fight over whether the EU should put a carbon price on driving cars and heating buildings. The delay got so bad, the roast veal and fig tartlet lunch awaiting European leaders was driven well into the afternoon. Countries including Italy, Poland, Czechia and Hungary called for ETS2 — an already-legislated law that will put a carbon price on heating and transport from 2028 — to be delayed for two more years. Estonia suggested it could be scrapped altogether.